This year, we unite in recognition of the 46th anniversary of our independence, a pivotal moment in our history that not only signified the end of colonial rule but also heralded our long-awaited democratic breakthrough. Independence Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it serves as an important reminder of our past—the struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment of thousands of individuals who fought for our freedom. It invites us to reflect deeply on our journey and to remember the price that was paid for the independence we enjoy today.

As we commemorate this day, it is imperative to confront a crucial question: Who truly enjoys the fruits of Independence in Zimbabwe today? The stark reality is that many of our fellow citizens—particularly vulnerable populations among us including widows, the elderly, opharns, and people with disabilities—continue to survive with profound hardships. Those who toil daily to make ends meet, the unemployed, the informal traders, vendors striving for survival, and civil servants who receive meagre allowances face increasing challenges.

Additionally, informal traders and Small-Medium businesses continue to endure harassment at the hands of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Municipal police officers, fostering a sense of disillusionment with the promises of independence and democracy. Their struggles reveal a failure that goes beyond party politics; it is a systemic issue that reflects a deep-rooted inequality, one that can be attributed solely to the current ZANU-PF manifesto of a small, powerful elite. As we commemorate our Independence Day, it is important to reflect on the socio-economic challenges facing our nation.

Many Zimbabweans are experiencing severe poverty and underdevelopment. This situation can be largely attributed to misplaced priorities established by an elite class, which engages in primitive accumulation of wealth. As a result, Zimbabwe is being treated more like a private entity than as a sovereign nation, contributing to the ongoing challenges faced by the majority of its citizens.

This elite group often behaves as though they are above the law, highlighting a disparity in how wealth is displayed and treated in the country. While some individuals may flaunt large amounts of foreign currency, many small traders find themselves in legal trouble for operating with modest sums, such as a $20 USD note, in public markets and town squares across cities like Harare’s Fourth Street, Bulawayo’s Tredgegold, at OK Supermarket in Gweru, Moto-Moto Mutare, and at Wimpy in Masvingo. Additionally, small-scale cross-border traders, who are predominantly women and youth striving to support their families, often have their goods confiscated by revenue officers at various border points.

In contrast, the elite class, tenderpreneurs (zviganandas) frequently donate cars and cash without fulfilling their tax obligations, further emphasizing the economic inequalities in Zimbabwe. This has led to a disheartening rise in inequality, with joblessness remaining a defining characteristic of our purported economic growth. The elite class (Zvigananda) are above the law, whilst the toiling masses suffer from lawfare and a brazen, dirty, corrupt police and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) system.We continue to observe the exploitation and exclusion of villagers in the ongoing resource extraction taking place in their regions.

The unfortunate realities faced by communities in Mutoko, Marange, Gwanda, Hwange, Gutu, Buhera, and Inyathi, among others, are disheartening. Forty-six years after independence, ordinary Zimbabweans are still treated as second-class citizens, while corrupt state officials accept small bribes to favour foreign investors. The liberty and freedom of villagers are under systematic attack.

Fundamentally, we face an ongoing struggle against a predatory elite cabal that seeks to manipulate our hard-won democratic framework to serve their narrow interests. As we reflect on the significance of Independence Day, we are reminded of the selfless sacrifices made by the sons and daughters of our land who took up arms against colonial oppression. Their fight was not merely for liberation but was also deeply rooted in addressing the economic and racial injustices that plagued our society.

The struggle encompassed the fight for land—land that had been unjustly appropriated by the minority white population—as well as the fight for One-Man-One-Vote, essential for dismantling a constitutional order that had historically marginalised the black majority, relegating them to the depths of poverty and segregation. The date of April 18, 1980, marked a watershed moment when the Union Jack was lowered, giving way to the Zimbabwean flag—a powerful symbol of new hope and prosperity. We take pride in the fact that in 2013, the people of Zimbabwe crafted their own constitution and participated in a referendum to adopt the new charter, a momentous achievement reflecting the collecti