ZIMBABWE’S independence and freedom cannot be fully explained without mentioning one of the key milestones of its struggle for liberation — its ability to exploit mineral resources for the overall development of the economy.
The country celebrated its 44th Independence Anniversary yesterday on the back of massive strides in the mining and other key sectors of the economy.
The commemorations also came on the back of renewed, relentless efforts by Western countries to effect regime change through illegal means as seen by their brazen attempt to manipulate the vote in favour of the opposition during the August 23 2023 harmonised elections.
That attempt to remove ZANU PF from power is now targeting other liberation movements in the Southern African region, with South Africa’s ruling party, the ANC, being targeted by regime change agents. Some of the regime change agents are Zimbabwe’s very own Tendai Biti and the marauding opposition activist, Job Sikhala, who are being paid to launch onslaughts against the ANC party.
In the past three weeks, Zimbabwean opposition activists have been taking turns to lay siege on the ANC which goes to the ballot on May 29.
Armed with generous funding from Western countries, whose economies have taken a severe beating from the numerous foreign campaigns they engage in, these activists are being paid to destabilise liberation movements so that their handlers can halt the inevitable economic empowerment of the masses in the region.
As was the case with Zimbabwe, that mischief too is going to fail.
Liberation movements across the SADC region are being targeted for their unwavering stance on equitable distribution of land and abundant mineral resources in this part of the world.
And Zimbabwe remains a classical example of why unity, peace and development are the hallmarks of any country’s prosperity, peace and security as well as the general well-being of the masses.
More than two decades after the West sought to separate the masses from the ruling ZANU PF by making the Zimbabwean economy scream through their illegal economic sanctions, Harare remains steadfast.
The sanctions, which were imposed on December 21 2001 and February 18 2002 by the US and the EU, respectively, were designed to aid the futile cause of the opposition and obfuscate memories of the liberation struggle from the collective psyche of the masses.
Those in the opposition would like to sanitise their political mischief on behalf of their Western handlers as ‘a struggle for democracy’ to gain currency.
But the democracy which they derisively abuse was brought by the gun, blood and sweat of the people of Zimbabwe whom they crassly disrespect.
This is the same ‘democracy’ that is being abused by the West, either through directly arming rogue nations or directly fomenting all conflicts currently bedevilling the globe.
Zimbabwe will never pander to those gory activities against humanity.
It will, instead, continue with an economic emancipation trajectory.
This is the message that the country’s leaders, in fulfilment of their mandate, have not only been preaching but delivering to the masses.
A fortnight ago, Zimbabwe unveiled a gold and other strategic minerals-backed currency that will stabilise its sanctions-battered economy.
This move, says President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is indicative of Government’s determinationto ensure that the country’s natural resources are leveraged to advance sustainable economic independence and sovereignty.
Western countries’ economic warfare against the country has been premised on deterring the masses from exploiting their vast mineral resources in order for the former colonisers to regain control of those resources.
President Mnangagwa said this while commissioning one of the country’s oldest gold mines, Pickstone Peerless Mine underground operations, in Chegutu last week.
The mine was opened in 1905.
“It is fortunate that this commissioning ceremony of the Pickstone Peerless Mine underground mining project is occurring a few days after the historic and unprecedented opening of our national vaults as well as launch of our structured currency,” said the President.
Zimbabwe opened its gold vaults on April 4.
He went on:“The backing of our currency against our gold and strategic mineral reserves is reflective of the Second Republic’s determination to ensure that the resources of our motherland, Zimbabwe, are leveraged to realise sustainable economic independence and sovereignty.
“As we build our beloved country, we must continue to be proud of our unique Zimbabwean heritage and identity, including our minerals and own currency, guided by our mantra: ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhilwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi bayo.”
The country’s mining sector has grown from a modest US$2,8 billion industry in 2018 to more than US$12 billion in 2024.
It continues to grow, with small-scale miners contributing more than 40 percent of the gold deliveries in 2023.
Those compelling statistics cajole the West to continue with their vain pursuit of the illegal regime change push in the country, using the out-of-sorts opposition which has been duly rejected by the masses.
As Zimbabwe adds another year to its relentless march towards its destiny, there is a need for all citizens to never relent.
The enemy continues to prowl menacingly and scour for the slightest of opportunities.
We will continue with our unwavering commitment and dedication to the values, ideals and ideas of the liberation struggle.
Let those with ears listen.
