Full statement by Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere to mark Zimbabwe’s 43rd Independence Anniversary on 18 April 2023.
Today, Zimbabwe celebrates 43 years of independence. We join the nation in honouring this important day as we look to the sacrifice made by those who fought on our behalf for the constitutional entitlement of one man, one vote.
The liberation struggle was anchored on the fight for free, fair and credible elections.
We seek to complete the mission this year to ensure we win Zimbabwe for change by winning the election and taking power.
As a citizens’ movement, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change acknowledges the effort and sacrifices of the soldiers, war veterans, war collaborators and citizens, living and departed, who contributed to attaining the liberation of our nation from colonial rule.
We acknowledge and respect all national processes that relate to the history and legacy of Zimbabwe as this is the collective definition of our identity as a people.
Independence Day belongs to all Zimbabwean citizens. It is a national event which, in a functional nation, ought to be inclusive, non-partisan and be a moment of pride and celebration for all members of our society.
When our forebears took up arms, they were guided by liberation ideals including universal adult suffrage, sovereignty of the people and their will, as well as shared prosperity for the masses.
For this reason, the movement participates in these platforms, standing on the belief that these are national events, not partisan processes. We do so for our country and for the collective being of the people.
As election day beckons, we are mindful that the 43-year-old bad governance crisis has rendered the Liberation promise empty. Our aspirations for Zimbabwe are yet to be realized.
The latest corruption expose betrays a sad pattern of a rich nation being poorly managed and looted by political elites at the expense of the citizens.
Like every other corruption scandal that has preceded it over the last 43 years, it is an indictment of the liberation dream and the promise of independence.
This is not the Zimbabwe that the citizens had hoped for. We urge every citizen to ensure that they perform their civic duty by voting en mass in the coming election for ethical, competent leaders who will usher in a New Great Zimbabwe with dignity, prosperity and freedom for all.
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