Is Zimbabwean independence meaningful

Zimbabwe marks its 32nd independence from British rule tomorrow, amid a host of repressive, draconian and exploitive laws and statutes which have ironically been used to restrain aspects of sovereignty that were fought for during the liberation struggle to facilitate the country's independence from colonial rule.

However, though independent since 1980, the business, political and social community in Zimbabwe continues to question the relevance and meaningfulness of celebrating the country's independence amid concerns the country is not free and independent at all.

Despite annual celebrations, several political commentators have condemned the ritual of Independence Day celebrations highlighting strong dismay towards the loss of nationhood hinged upon forgotten principles and unsung heroes.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) president Welshman Ncube has said the country was experiencing high poverty and corruption levels which contradicted aspects of an independent country.

"We never spent all the times in the struggle fighting for corruption but we selflessly condemned even during our struggle. We therefore condemn it today even from those that seek to apportion themselves the credit of the liberation yet on daily basis betray it.

"As a party we believe that the political violence and intimidation together with unfair elections are a mockery to a just and fair Zimbabwe that we fought for," he said.

MDC-T leader and prime minister of the country Morgan Tsvangirai said in a statement that the process of attaining independence was not a stroll in the park.

"We had to wage a brutal and protracted liberation struggle to end colonialism. Brave sons and daughters of this land perished in that struggle. Independence alone is not enough. Independence must be accompanied by respect for people's basic freedoms. It must come with jobs and economic growth," he said.

ZAPUpresident Dumiso Dabengwa said independence needed to be characterised by freedom and a good life.

There is need to have "The right to education and proper health services, the right to choose their government representatives democratically, freedom from hunger, discrimination and state repression, and a Constitution that embraces all of the above.

"Unfortunately, this hard- won Independence has been abused to the extent that people no longer see the value of commemorating it," he said.

Zanu-PF national spokesperson Rugare Gumbo ruled out these sentiments citing that the country's independence under the rule of Mugabe was meaningful as violence was unimaginable in the country.