DARE Statement On Zimbabwe @36

Zimbabwe became independent on 18 April 1980. The historical significance of that day is spiritual and flows through the veins of every Zimbabwean . It is on this day that we pay homage to all Zimbabweans who took any part on our journey to independence. It was an arduous journey and we are reminded of its cost when we look at the National Heroes Acre . From those who provided food, shelter and clothes to our friends who armed, harbored and trained our gallant sons and daughter's. We stand reminded of the ultimate price some paid for this our independence. We give homage to all those who were collaborators and povho which bore the brunt of the liberation war in keeps and reservations. Today we enjoy our peace and nationhood as a people. However this independence day reminds us of the goals and aspirations of those dear to us. It strenghtnens our resolve to lift and light up the torch of independence.

We indeed owe it to past generations to carry on the ethos and values of the liberation war to its logical conclusion. 36 years after independence we should be however celebrating and complementing the attainment of liberation war. To this day we remain prisoners of unfulfilled promise of social and economic realignment of Zimbabwe from yesteryear Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. Yes indeed we managed to create a poor learned black middle class and a rich elite class solely based on political patronage. Opportunities and dreams of the larger populace remain a pipe dream where expedient populist programmes aimed at alleviating the situation have always been hijacked by the political elite. This can be traced to the first land resettlement program to the current land program which has failed to revolutionise our agricultural industry but has instead destroyed the economic foundation of our country. The national housing fund again became a scandal of looting and pillage just as the GMB Scandal, War Victims Compensation Fund, Willowgate Scandal which were precedence to today's malevolent corrupt behaviour.

Today corruption and pillage of resources have become the bedrock of the rich and affluent who control the levers of power with the masses as political fodder and stepping stones. Gone is the ingenuity and bussiness acumen of the common person to climb to success. The Zimbabwe of today is fraught with looting and a death of ethics and principles. Our pillars of state have been abused in defence of partisan individuals and not in defence of the constitution. 2008 elections is a clear indicator of security sector abuse in electoral processes in the country. From 1980 upwards the institution of chieftaincy has been politicised as political appointments compromised the registrar general and the current ZEC secretariat. Indeed we seek a new charter for Zimbabwe where we are able to exercise our vote freely with dignity and respect of outcomes hence our participation in NERA for electoral reforms . DARE(Democratic Assembly For Restoration And Empowerment ) political party regards the need for electoral reforms as critical and at this juncture call upon like minded parties to join the call and implementing of such reforms in order to have a free and fair election. Our call for electoral reforms is obviously the failure of the GNU to implement the later to its fullest.

We recognise that independence is but a pipe dream without full alignment of the voted constitution three years after the historic referendum. Independence today cannot be real if we wallow in poverty as the majority can not afford three meals let alone two meals a day. Independence should mean transformation of life for the majority and not subdugation of the majority by a rich minority . There is need for drastic restoration of the values of people power, people centred economic programs and above else cultivation of democratic institutions .

Our independence was not won for individual hegemony but for more strengthened institutions where democracy prospers. In that spirit it is vital that today's independence day be a prudent reminder that Zimbabwe remains a republic and not a quasi monarchical state. Our liberty came through the sacrifice of the common people who expect to have work, opportunity,  food, shelter, security and education. Once again we congratulate Zimbabweans on your endurance and remind you that DARE will walk with you to total independence where we do not remain stuck in ZANU Pf corrupt, greed and exploitation of our beautiful country Zimbabwe. We salute all Zimbabweans and once again remind you that today is your day and let no political party, institution or person take away our pride as Zimbabweans.