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Dr Thomas Mapfumo

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Dr Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has slammed those implicated in corrupt activities by virtue of their positions of influence saying they were stealing from the poor.
In his statement to mark Zimbabwe’s 34th Independence anniversary, the Chimurenga legend said corruption was betrayal of the values of the liberation struggle and national independence.

“Our nation must develop, but the worrying thing facing our country today is corruption, instead of working to develop our country there are those selfish individuals who because of their positions of influence are busy stealing from the poor.

“That must stop; it’s a betrayal of the values of the liberation struggle and our national independence. Independence is not about corruption, it is not about party politics, it is about honesty, unity of purpose and the love for Zimbabwe not parties or politicians,” he said.

The United States-based musician who announced that he will be coming home in September, said he has since recorded a song to be featured on is upcoming album in which he implores politicians to put the country and its people first.

“I have composed a song which says — “Vanhuvaneta Nepolitics” which will be on my forthcoming album “Dangerzone”, advising the politicians of our country to stop politicking because the citizens are tired of political games. Our people are suffering; they need food on their tables, education, and above all a good life. We must share the national cake equally.

“The values of the liberation struggle go beyond party politics and individualism. Those who are corrupt must be held accountable. We have a task as Zimbabweans to fight corruption. It is tearing our economy apart. In the 1980s I sang about corruption.

“The traits are still manifesting in some comrades even today,” he said.

He also paid tribute to the gallant sons and daughters of the soil who went to war during the liberation struggle.

“As we mark our Independence, I take this opportunity to honour and salute the brave heroes and heroines of this land who sacrificed their lives, families, careers, and education to join the war of liberation.

“It is such sacrifices that brought about the freedom we are enjoying today. I also wish to extend my special gratitude to the following countries that assisted us during the war — Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Russia to mention but a few. It was their love, commitment and solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe that brought about our independence,” he said.

Dr Mapfumo also hailed those who fought in different fronts and called on Zimbabwe to have a unity of purpose.

“When we were singing during the war — it was about freedom, justice hence I coined my music “Chimurenga”. Even though I was not holding a gun, it was a difficult terrain and I was constantly harassed, arrested and detained because I denounced oppression and colonialism. My dream was to see a free Zimbabwe where our citizens are able to access education, health, access to decent accommodation, and above all a better life for everyone.

“Today, we need all hands on deck to do more to make real the dream of equality, justice and a better life for all. The brutalities of the past; detentions without trial, disappearances of our people, deaths in detentions, hanging of those opposed to colonialism, imprisonment, exile, massacres, assassinations, forced evictions, banishments, the Law and Order Maintenance Act and many more laws that made the lives of black people unbearable – are testimonies that our freedom was never free.

“Although today we walk tall because our collective efforts culminated in the 18th of April being our Independence Day, we all still carry scars that remind us that our freedom, which is at times taken for granted was never free,” he said.

And to fellow artistes, Dr Mapfumo thanked superstar Oliver Mtukudzi for assisting the youngsters saying he was prepared to work with upcoming artistes.

“As artistes we have a role to play in national development, fostering unity and also acting as ambassadors of our great nation. In the last 34 years I am happy to note how our music has developed over the years, I salute all the young musicians who are emerging and I am prepared to assist and work with the young crop of musicians.

“They need our guidance and support – they are our future. My friend Oliver Mtukudzi has been doing a good job in assisting the upcoming musicians. Keep up the good work you are doing,” he said.

See Mukanya’s full Independence Day statement in The Herald Entertainment on Independence day