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Godwin Gomwe
Over the weekend Zimbabwe celebrated the milestone of 35 years of Independence. To the country, Independence is not just political rhetoric, but a reality. It means freedom from dependence and control by another group, organisation or state. To the youths of Zimbabwe, it is freedom from political, social and economic hegemony masterminded by Western supremacists.

35 years of independence is not just ‘independence’ of the flag.

We have accomplished a lot under the leadership of President Robert Mugabe.

We have achieved undoubtable political independence and have since 1980 been taking giant steps to achieve economic independence, which has proved to be successful through the land reform and various black empowerment programmes, such as the indigenisation and economic programme.

It is because of the genuine and fearless adoption of such programmes which has benefited millions of our populace;that our detractors have found it ethical to punish us through illegal sanctions.

Economic independence is a process and Zimbabwe is one country – if not the only one – in Africa which has successfully embarked on land reform and Indigenisation and economic empowerment programmes, through the noble leadership of ZANU PF.

Since its formation, ZANU PF has proved to be the only party which has stood the test of time through the tried and tested leadership of President Mugabe.

The 35 years of Independence have been a journey to safeguard our social values, shared beliefs and traditions.

This has made it possible to come up with home driven systems that do not encourage borrowed Western practices like homosexuality.

Hence, social independence has also been achieved.

Since 1980, Zimbabweans have shown resilience despite the attacks that targeted the economy via illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the West. Zimbabweans have clearly shown undoubtable belief in the God-given President Mugabe.

As youths we have also been clear that we will support the vision of our ZANU-PF leadership that has stood the test of time and are true and dedicated to the struggle to safeguard our sovereignty and God-given natural wealth.

It is through the great leadership of President Mugabe, who has illuminated the importance of fully achieving economic independence, which has clearly outlined our role as youths.

We applaud the hard-earned independence that we realise in the education sector in Zimbabwe,which is among countries with high literate rates in Africa.

Through the empowerment programmes orchestrated by President Mugabe, Zimbabwe has seen youths at the forefront as drivers of the economy in all sectors.

As we celebrate 35 years of independence, we have a new battle that we are fighting and it needs us to emulate our President. We need to stand by him and realise that a revolution takes time; it’s not an overnight event.

Internally, we need to be firm in support of the President on his zero tolerance to corruption, so that we protect the legacy of those who came before us and be at the forefront of safeguarding our sovereignty and hard earned independence.

One great Zimbabwean artist once sang: “As a proud youth of this great nation and in acknowledgement of the historical significance of the youth, it is our responsibility to play our part in moulding the future of our country; the future of Zimbabwe is in our hands.”

This means that since the liberation struggle, the youths have been the epicentre of the revolution as the vanguards of Zimbabwe. It will take disciplined, dedicated and determined youths to take the country forward.

The country is also in need of youths who have the courtesy, consistence and commitment to work hard in all areas: politically, economically and socially.

Zimbabwe has become a living example of a country which has steadfastly stood by the values of the liberation struggle and there is no doubt that every progressive country looks up to it for inspiration.

Zimbabwean youths should therefore remain patriotic and true to the defence of our national sovereignty and carry forward the torch of freedom.