Zimpapers Logo

Dr Norbert Hosho, Correspondent

President Mnangagwa is known for his famous philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” which translates to “A country is developed by its own people”. This philosophy encapsulates a deep-rooted belief in self-reliance, national pride and the empowerment of Zimbabweans to drive their country’s progress.

To fully understand the significance of this philosophy, it is essential to delve into the historical context that shaped President Mnangagwa’s worldview.

Colonial legacy and liberation struggle

Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, was colonised by the British in the late 19th century. The colonial period had a profound impact on the country’s social, economic and political structures. The imposition of colonial rule led to the exploitation of Zimbabwe’s resources, displacement of indigenous populations and suppression of local cultures and traditions.

During this period, the British colonisers implemented policies that favoured their own interests, at the expense of the indigenous population. Land was forcibly taken from local communities and redistributed to white settlers, leading to widespread dispossession and marginalisation of the native people.

The legacy of colonialism in Zimbabwe left deep scars on the country, shaping its socio-economic landscape for decades to come. The unequal distribution of land and resources created enduring inequalities that persist to this day. The liberation struggle in Zimbabwe was a protracted armed conflict fought against colonial rule and for independence.

The struggle was led by nationalist movements such as the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), which sought to end white minority rule and establish a democratic government representing all citizens.

The liberation war was characterised by acts of resistance, sacrifice and solidarity among Zimbabweans fighting for their freedom. It was a pivotal moment in the country’s history that ultimately led to Zimbabwe gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1980.

The newly independent nation faced numerous challenges, including economic disparities, social inequalities and political instability. As part of the post-independence nation-building efforts, President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of self-reliance and empowerment as key pillars for sustainable development.

Land reform and economic empowerment

One of the defining policies of President Mnangagwa’s administration has been land reform and economic empowerment programmes aimed at addressing historical injustices and empowering local communities. The redistribution of land from white commercial farmers to landless black Zimbabweans was a controversial, but necessary step towards achieving economic justice and empowering local farmers.

Land reform and economic empowerment are interconnected policies that aim to address historical injustices, promote social equity and stimulate economic growth within a country. In the context of President Mnangagwa’s administration in Zimbabwe, these policies have been central to the Government’s efforts to rectify past imbalances and empower local communities.

Zimbabwe’s land reform programme has its roots in the colonial era when large tracts of land were taken from indigenous black Zimbabweans and allocated to white settlers. This historical injustice created a stark imbalance in land ownership, with a small minority of white commercial farmers controlling the majority of arable land, while the majority of black Zimbabweans were left with limited access to resources.

In response to this historical injustice, the Zimbabwean Government initiated a land reform programme that sought to redistribute land from white commercial farmers to landless black Zimbabweans. This process faced criticism both domestically and internationally, but it was seen as a necessary step towards achieving economic justice and empowering local farmers who had been marginalised for generations.

In addition to land reform, economic empowerment programmes have been implemented to support local communities, especially small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs. These programmes aim to provide training, financial support, access to markets and other resources that can help individuals and communities build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the overall economic development of the country.

By empowering local communities through land reform and economic empowerment programmes, President Mnangagwa’s administration is working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where all citizens have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the country’s economic growth.

Thus, land reform and economic empowerment are critical components of efforts to address historical injustices, promote social equity and drive economic development. While these policies may face challenges and criticisms, they play a vital role in building a more just and prosperous society for all citizens.

Globalisation and self-reliance

Globalisation refers to the interconnectedness of economies, cultures and societies on a global scale. It has been driven by advancements in technology, communication, transportation and trade liberalisation. In this context, countries around the world are increasingly dependent on each other for goods, services, investments and knowledge exchange. However, amidst this global integration, the concept of self-reliance has gained traction as nations seek to balance their engagement with the global economy while also prioritising their own resources and capabilities.

President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” encapsulates the idea of self-reliance for Zimbabwe. The phrase translates to “a country is built by its own people,” emphasising the importance of utilising domestic resources and talents for national development.

This philosophy underscores the need for Zimbabwe to reduce its reliance on external aid and influences, promoting economic independence and sustainable growth driven by internal capacities.

In today’s globalised world, where economic interdependence is prevalent, President Mnangagwa’s emphasis on self-reliance holds significant implications. By focusing on harnessing Zimbabwe’s own resources and talents, the country can build a more resilient economy that is less vulnerable to external shocks or dependencies. This approach fosters a sense of national pride and empowerment, while also contributing to long-term sustainability and development.

President Mnangagwa’s philosophy aligns with a broader trend towards self-reliance and sovereignty among African nations. Many countries on the continent are re-evaluating their development strategies to prioritise indigenous solutions and capacities over external assistance.

This shift reflects a desire for greater autonomy, control over national resources, and the promotion of home-grown initiatives that cater for local needs and aspirations. In a nutshell, in the era of globalisation where interconnectedness is a defining feature of international relations, President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of self-reliance resonates as a strategic approach for Zimbabwe’s development. By leveraging internal resources and talents while reducing dependence on external aid or influences, the country can chart a path towards sustainable growth, economic independence and national empowerment.

Conclusion

President Mnangagwa’s ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ philosophy is deeply rooted in Zimbabwe’s historical struggles for independence, economic empowerment and self-determination. By emphasising the role of its own people in shaping the country’s future, President Mnangagwa seeks to build a more resilient and self-reliant nation that can overcome past challenges and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Dr Norbert Hosho is the president and founder of Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Trust (ZAST), an educationist and trainer in financial literacy, economic empowerment and entrepreneurial leadership. He is the author of the book “Sanctions Against Zimbabwe: Debilitating effects, resilience in adversity and envisioned way forward”. He can be contacted on: +263773115890.