By Mthokozisi Mabhena

MY journey to the Chitepo School of Ideology was not just a physical voyage but a deeply spiritual and intellectual pilgrimage, one that I confidently say has forever transformed my outlook on life, our country and its aspirations. Like many, I had heard a lot of narratives about the institution. Some described it as a breeding ground for indoctrination, while others heralded it as a crucible for national enlightenment. What I discovered during my time at the school was neither extreme. Instead, it was something profound — a space where history, ideology and national purpose converge to birth clarity and conviction. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the discipline and camaraderie that permeated the atmosphere.

The other attendees, drawn from diverse walks of life, carried the same curiosity I did. We were united by a shared curiosity, a yearning to understand ourselves as Zimbabweans and our collective path forward. Over the days that followed, my understanding of our nation’s liberation struggle, its hard-won independence and the aspirations enshrined in Vision 2030 deepened in ways I could never have imagined. The curriculum at the Chitepo School of Ideology is built not on abstract theorisation but on the lived experiences of our liberation heroes and the practical realities of nation-building. We delved into the history of colonial oppression, the brutalities that sought to strip us of our humanity and the fortitude that ignited the liberation struggle. But this was no dry recounting of historical events. It was a vivid journey through the hearts and minds of those who dared to dream of a free Zimbabwe — a dream we are privileged to live today.

Hearing first-hand accounts from those who lived through the liberation struggle brought me face-to-face with the sacrifices that birthed our independence. These were not just soldiers and strategists; they were ordinary men and women — peasants, workers, intellectuals — who believed that dignity and sovereignty were worth every ounce of eff ort and every drop of blood. These stories moved me to tears, but more importantly, they ignited a sense of duty within me. It became clear that the Zimbabwe we envision by 2030 — a prosperous, upper-middle-income nation — is not an entitlement but a responsibility. One of the most illuminating aspects of the experience was the emphasis on understanding why the liberation struggle had to be fought in the fi rst place.

The legacy of colonialism, with its deep-rooted systems of exploitation and dehumanisation, was not just a political or economic assault but a psychological one. Colonisation sought to convince us that we were lesser beings, incapable of self-governance or self-determination. The Chitepo School of Ideology confronts this lie head-on, championing the decolonisation of the mind as a fundamental step toward national progress. Decolonising the mind is not an abstract concept; it is a tangible process of reclaiming agency over our thoughts, beliefs and actions. We examined how colonialism’s subtle tools — language, education and culture — had been used to erode our conf i dence in ourselves.

The school does not preach hatred or foster division. Instead, it encourages critical thinking, urging us to question whose interests are served when we perpetuate a dependency mindset, for example. It teaches that true liberation begins when we recognise our own potential and harness it for the collective good. This realisation hit me with a force that was at once uncomfortable and empowering. I began to see how some of the challenges we face as a nation — corruption, complacency and disunity — are not just the product of circumstance but also the remnants of colonial conditioning. Addressing these challenges requires more than policies and programmes; it demands a fundamental shift in our work ethic, values and vision.

The school’s emphasis on work ethic resonated deeply with me. Vision 2030 is an ambitious goal, but it is achievable if we collectively embrace a culture of hard work, innovation and accountability. It became evident that the heroes of the liberation struggle were not driven by convenience or comfort but by a steadfast commitment to a cause greater than themselves. They worked tirelessly, often at great personal cost, because they believed in a future where Zimbabweans could stand tall, charting their own destiny. As I refl ected on this, I was struck by the parallels between their struggle and ours today. Just as they fought to dismantle oppressive systems, we must now fi ght to overcome the inertia that holds us back from achieving our full potential.

The Chitepo School of Ideology taught me that the spirit of the struggle is not confi ned to history; it is alive in every eff ort we make to uplift our communities, strengthen our institutions and build a better Zimbabwe. What sets the school apart is its ability to challenge misconceptions. Before attending, I, too, did not fully understand its purpose. Was this merely a platform for political indoctrination? Was it an echo chamber where dissenting voices were stif l ed? What I found was the opposite. The school fosters dialogue, critical analysis and robust debate. It encourages participants to question, to engage and ultimately, to arrive at their own understanding of what it means to be Zimbabwean.

Far from narrowing my perspective, the experience expanded it. I came to appreciate that Vision 2030 is not just an economic target; it is a holistic aspiration that encompasses social cohesion, cultural pride, and sustainable development. It is about creating a nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, where our natural resources are managed responsibly and where our identity as a people is celebrated rather than eroded. The school emphasises the importance of unity. Zimbabwe’s strength lies in its diversity, but this diversity must be harnessed towards a common purpose. At Chitepo School of Ideology, we explored how unity was a cornerstone of the liberation struggle and how it must remain central to our nation-building eff orts. Whether we are farmers or engineers, teachers or entrepreneurs, our individual contributions matter only when they align with the broader national agenda.

As the days at the school unfolded, I began to see my role in this agenda more clearly. The question was no longer what Zimbabwe can do for me but what I can do for Zimbabwe. This shift in perspective was not imposed but inspired. Through the lessons, discussions and refl ections, I came to understand that patriotism is not blind allegiance but a conscious commitment to advancing the greater good. One of the most powerful moments came during a session on the importance of leadership. We explored the qualities that defi ned the luminaries of our liberation struggle — vision, integrity and courage. These are not just attributes for those in political offi ce but virtues we must all embody in our respective spheres of infl uence. Leadership, I realised, is not about titles or positions; it is about taking responsibility for the change we wish to see. Leaving the Chitepo School of Ideology, I felt a profound sense of purpose.

The experience was not merely educational. It opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of our past, present and future. It reminded me that the journey to Vision 2030 is not a sprint but a marathon that requires perseverance, resilience and collective eff ort. I now carry with me a renewed commitment to contributing to our nation’s development. Whether through my community involvement or my personal conduct, I am determined to uphold the values instilled in me during my time at the Chitepo School of Ideology. I am inspired to champion the principles of hard work, unity and self-reliance, knowing that these are the building blocks of a prosperous Zimbabwe.

The Chitepo School of Ideology is not a relic of the past but a centre for the future. It is a place where the spirit of liberation is rekindled, where the dreams of Vision 2030 are nurtured, and where the seeds of a truly sovereign and self-reliant Zimbabwe are sown. It is not about indoctrination but liberation — of the mind, the spirit and the nation.