Today I want to write to my fellow countryfolk on our independence day.
Fellow Zimbabweans. As we celebrate our Independence Day on April 18th, marking the day when our nation gained freedom from colonial rule, it's a day to reflect on the past, honor our history, and look toward the future. However, this year's celebration feels different. As we reflect on our post-independence journey, we are reminded that the struggle for greatness continues.
When Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, there was a sense of hope and optimism. Our nation had the potential to become a great African success story. However, in the decades that followed, Zimbabwe's progress has been slow and uneven. Today, we find ourselves grappling with the same challenges that we faced 40 years ago, if not more.
Our economy remains fragile, with high unemployment rates and widespread poverty. Our political landscape is still fraught with corruption and human rights violations, leading to a growing sense of disillusionment and apathy among many Zimbabweans. While there have been some positive developments in recent years, such as the easing of some trade restrictions and an increase in foreign investment, we still have a long way to go.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the existing challenges that we face. The economic fallout from the pandemic has pushed many Zimbabweans further into poverty while the healthcare system struggles to cope with the rising challenges since then.
The Gold Mafia documentary sensationalized the discovery of the corrupt systems we live under, but really nothing new other than that confirmation that we do live in a system of greed and corruption with an impunity level on steroids.
As a young entrepreneur fighting to make my way in this challenging environment, I know all too well the difficulties we face each day. The constant uncertainty, the unfair competition, and the struggle to provide for ourselves and our families can be overwhelming at times. But despite these obstacles, I want to offer you hope.
We are Zimbabweans. We are a people of resilience, of strength, and of determination. We have faced adversity before, and we have emerged stronger because of it. We have the power to overcome any obstacle that comes our way, and we can build a better future for ourselves and our children.
As we celebrate our Independence Day, let us honor the sacrifices of those who came before us who fought for our freedom and sovereignty. Let us remember that we are the inheritors of a proud history and that we have a responsibility to carry that legacy forward.
So what can we do to change the fortunes of future generations? First and foremost, we must demand change from our leaders. We must hold them accountable for their actions and demand transparency, honesty, and integrity in all aspects of governance. We must also work towards a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background. We must not lose hope.
We must continue to work towards a brighter future for ourselves and our children. We must fight for the principles of democracy, justice, and equality for all. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand change.
As an entrepreneur, I am committed to doing my part to contribute to the growth and development of our country. I know that there are many others like me who are also working tirelessly to build a better future for Zimbabwe. We must support one another, work together, and never give up hope.
So let us hold our heads high, and let us continue to fight for the principles of democracy, justice, and equality for all. Let us work towards a brighter tomorrow, one step at a time. We can do this, Zimbabwe. We will do this together.
