Opposition Leaders Attend 45th Independence Day Celebrations in Gokwe – Here’s What They Had to Say

Opposition Leaders Attend 45th Independence Day Celebrations in Gokwe – Here’s What They Had to Say

Zimbabwe marked its 45th Independence Day on Friday, 18 April, with national celebrations held at the Mutora Open Grounds in Nembudziya, Gokwe. Among those in attendance were several opposition politicians.

Prominent opposition leaders who showed up included CCC’s Sengezo Tshabangu, NCA leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku, and LEAD president Linda Masarira.

Also read: Ministry Condemns Mandatory Civic Days To Fund Independence Day Celebrations

Opposition Leaders Attend 45th Independence Day Celebrations in Gokwe

Tshabangu, who is the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Secretary General, told journalists that independence belongs to all Zimbabweans, not just members of the ruling party.

He said attending such events should not be seen as a betrayal of one’s political stance, because at the end of the day, Zimbabweans are united by their shared identity.

“Independence is not for Zanu PF. It’s not for a certain class. It’s for Zimbabweans across the political divide. Opposition political parties are formed by Zimbabweans. So what is the common denominator is that we are Zimbabweans, regardless of where we stand, what we do, or what we wear. At the end of the day, we put on the same flag. We have got the same flesh. We breathe the same air. We share the same environment. We use the same infrastructure. So we are Zimbabweans, regardless of our different political views, we are Zimbabweans,” Tshabangu explained.

Madhuku: “Independence Was Fought for by Many”

Professor Lovemore Madhuku echoed similar views, saying independence was won through the collective effort of various liberation movements, not just Zanu PF.

“Chekutanga ndechekuti Independence ndeye munhu wese wemuZimbabwe. Zvinofanirwa kuzivikanwa kuti kurwira rusununguko rakabva kuvanhu veZimbabwe vaitungamirirwa nemapato ematongerwo enyika ana Zanu ana Zapu nemamwe. Asi chikuru ndechekuti independence ndeyedu tese vanhu vemuZimbabwe ndosaka tiripano,” Madhuku said.

He went on to call for unity among Zimbabweans, urging people to put political differences aside for the good of the country.

“Ndoda kungokurudzira vanhu veZimbabwe kuti ngatibatanei tiite vanhu vamwechete. Tosiyana zvematongerwo enyika zvekuti chigaro ngachipihwe nhingi. Ndochete chinhu chatinofanirwa kusiyana. Asi zvimwe zvese izvi tofana kunge takabata nyika yedu pamwechete,” he added.

Masarira Applauds Mnangagwa’s Devolution Efforts

LEAD president Linda Masarira took a different approach, choosing to commend President Emmerson Mnangagwa for rotating the hosting of Independence Day celebrations around the country.

She said the move is a sign of the president’s commitment to decentralisation and ensuring all Zimbabweans feel included. Masarira said:

“…shows President Mnangagwa’s commitment to make devolution a reality. Long ago, Independence was only happening in Harare, and most people missed out. It shows that independence is for everyone and leaving no place, and no person behind, and that is very commendable. We applaud President Mnangagwa for coming up with this initiative to ensure that everyone understands what it is to be truly independent in Zimbabwe, 45 years after independence.”

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The post Opposition Leaders Attend 45th Independence Day Celebrations in Gokwe – Here’s What They Had to Say appeared first on iHarare News.

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