What will freedom truly cost us?

In the depths of despair, there exists a flicker of hope. Or so we dare to believe. As a nation, Zimbabwe has been haunted by a tumultuous history, riddled with oppression, corruption, and a desperate thirst for power. The struggle for freedom has been an arduous one, a never-ending battle against countless oppressors. But as we gaze upon the horizon, we are compelled to ask ourselves, what will freedom truly cost us?

In a nation that has endured decades of colonial rule followed by autocratic leadership, the cost of freedom cannot be measured solely in monetary terms. The price is instead paid in the blood, sweat, and tears of those who dare to challenge the status quo. It is a price that demands sacrifice and unwavering determination, for the road to liberation is littered with the broken dreams of those who have come before us.

The history of Zimbabwe is a testament to the price paid for freedom. The struggle against colonialism became the rallying cry that united a nation, but it also brought a torrent of violence and pain. Our heroes, such as Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe, fought tooth and nail, facing imprisonment, torture, and exile, all in the pursuit of freedom. Their sacrifices can never be forgotten or dismissed, yet their legacies are haunted by the bitter forces of corruption and power-hungry leaders.

Post-independence, the promise of a brighter future was momentarily intoxicating. As a nation, we dared to dream of a Zimbabwe where justice, equality, and prosperity reigned supreme. But as the saying goes, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The very leaders who once embodied the struggle for freedom soon became perpetrators of oppression, plunging the country into a vicious cycle of despair.

The cost of freedom is not only measured by the struggle against external forces but also by the internal battles we face. Corruption has burrowed its way into the fabric of our society, gnawing at the very foundations of progress. It is a cancer that eats away at hope, leaving behind a trail of disillusionment and anguish. The cost of freedom is witnessed in the countless lives lost while seeking justice, the stolen opportunities, and the shattered dreams of a generation.

But amidst the turmoil, there are whispers of hope. The voices of the oppressed are growing stronger, uniting in a chorus that demands change. The youth, burdened by the failures of their predecessors, are rising with resilience and determination. They refuse to be silenced or stifled by the weight of corruption and tyranny. They are willing to pay the price for freedom, whatever it may be.

Yet, the cost of freedom is not solely measured by the struggle against a broken system. It stems from the sacrifice of human potential, the lost opportunities, and the shattered dreams buried deep within the hearts of our people. The brain drain that plagues our nation, as talented individuals flee in search of greener pastures, is a testament to the price we pay for freedom.

So, as we confront the question of cost, we must also reflect on the greater implications. What if the price of freedom is too great for our people to bear? Can we risk further hardship and suffering in the pursuit of a dream that may never materialize? These questions, though painful, demand thoughtful consideration.

The road to freedom is treacherous, plagued with uncertainty and sacrifice. It requires us to confront our demons and address the deep-rooted issues that have plagued us for far too long. It demands leaders who are willing to rise above personal gain and work tirelessly for the betterment of the nation. It necessitates a collective effort, where every citizen plays their part in the pursuit of justice, equality, and progress.

The cost of freedom is not a burden one person can bear alone. It is a shared responsibility, a collective journey towards a brighter future. We must be prepared to pay the price, rise above our differences, and fight against the forces that seek to divide us.

As a nation haunted by sadness and despair, we are left with a choice. We can succumb to apathy and resignation, accepting our fate as a nation perpetually marred by corruption and oppression. Or we can reclaim our voice, demand accountability, and work towards a future that truly embodies the ideals of freedom.

The cost of freedom is immeasurable, but so too is the potential that lies within us. It is a choice we must make collectively, for our children's children and for the generations yet to come.

Kumbirai Thierry Nhamo