Let's safeguard 37 years of peace and tranquility

At her birth in 1980, Zimbabwe led by the then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe accentuated cherished values such as impartiality, forgiveness, self-worth, freedom and equality for all its citizens, thereby eking out the path to total emancipation and self-determination.

Prior to the country's independence, there were a lot of forces that threatened the existence of freedom and peace which led to the armed struggle. Zimbabweans were victims of tribulations such as segregation, discriminative policies and disenfranchisement which stripped Zimbabweans of their dignity as human beings.

Colonialists caused serious challenges to peace in the country. The policies they enacted where self-serving at the expense of the black majority. Hence, the need to cherish our independence and peace we are now enjoying.

Just like many countries in Africa, the end colonialism in Zimbabwe ushered in independence that was welcomed by most citizens as the genesis of the self-actualization of the black majority in the environs of peace.

The majority of Zimbabweans agree that the attainment of independence brought about great tranquility and harmony both socially and politically. Unlike in the colonial period where there was a clampdown on liberal voices, currently Zimbabweans enjoy freedom of speech, as expressed on section 61. 1a of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which says that, Every person has the right to freedom of expression, which includes-freedom to seek, receive and communicate ideas and other information.' Additionally, freedom of press exists in the present day Zimbabwe. Thus, there are a number of privately owned newspapers like the Daily News and NewsDay .In short; there is liberated media space in the independent Zimbabwe.

Most laws that were enacted after 1980 were meant to protect peace among Zimbabweans. For instance, Public Order and Security Act (POSA) of 2002. POSA was introduced so as to regulate public order and safeguard security among peace loving Zimbabweans. Reports have it that, after opposition party Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai was formed in 1999, acts of political violence by rowdy people increased nationwide and that led to the enactment of POSA. Through POSA, the nation enjoys peace.

Zimbabwe is one of the African countries that boast of freedom of religion. There are quite a number of religions in Zimbabwe and every individual has the right to freedom of conscience, which includes religion. To that end churches should play a critical role in building peace and stability in our beloved Zimbabwe.

The peace that the nation is currently enjoying today should continue ahead of the forthcoming crucial general elections scheduled for 2018. All political parties should be encouraged to campaign peacefully. Leaders of political parties should promote peace by educating their members on the perils of political violence.

On the other hand, security forces should ensure that all perpetrators of political violence are brought to book, for it is their role of maintaining peace and security in the country. It is imperative that the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty is entirely defended.

Peace should be the foundation of economic development. Zimbabweans should have collective responsibility to ensure they utilize the prevailing peace to foster economic growth. Economic analysts believe that economies thrive during times of peace. A case in point, Rwanda went on its knees economically following a genocide that killed almost a million people. It is fact that after ensuring its peace, Rwanda experienced a remarkable economic turnaround.

Zimbabweans should therefore celebrate this year's independence with peace in mind and use it productively to build our beloved motherland.