Independence and the Zimbabwean dream

Each year Independence Day rolls around, for a few minutes I am filled with mixed feelings: heartfelt honour then an inner sigh of resignation. Is independence the last good thing that happened to Zimbabwe? Some celebrated today, meat and beer in hand- Tuku in the background or maybe attended a gala somewhere, for others it’s a day like any other. I spent it in quiet contemplation, with some IPL in the background, wondering just how a day of such immense historical significance affects us today and how it will affect the post-modern era. By us, I mean the millenial generation. 34 years ago we were declared free to enjoy independent governance, to assume rightful proprietorship to the land, rid of colonial oppression and the ability to make our own decisions and even mistakes, as long as they were our own. Places to walk, eat and study were once marked by racial segregation, and my how we have progressed. We would do well to remember in profound gratitude and never take for granted the peace, justice and human rights fought for by our fathers. They paved the way, but the work is not yet done. It is never done.

Freedom, to most has just become another case of semantics. Fast forward to today; the Zimbabwe once full of promise is now shackled by abject poverty. A frail health system, a significant segment of the working population in economic exile, production all but shut down and a repressive political atmosphere that is likely to go down in history. A blanket of doom has descended as we ask ourselves when this severe economic depression will end. “Democracy, unity and prosperity” they said. Well here we are, scattered across the globe, ashamed at how our failures have been publicised yet trying to realise those ideals established 34 years ago. When it comes to music, food, landscape, culture and sporting heroes, patriots are plenty.. but honestly, how many of us are working toward a future in Zimbabwe? Sociologists have observed that the millennial generation wants more out of life, success as well as fulfilment, yet it increasingly seems as though one cannot have both. The pursuit of a tertiary education abroad has left many lonely, perpetually homesick and victims of xenophobia. It is still seen as a necessary evil. As individuals who were raised to progress and not regress, how does one feel accomplished without a job, how does one develop self-worth without self-sufficiency? The irony is that success is measured by lack. Other people's grass seeming greener is no new concept, but in today's image crafting world, other people's grass looks like a glorious meadow. Is there really any pride in being Zimbabwean when we are so quick to seek asylum in foreign lands, adopt exotic accents, learn more about other countries than our own, and marry people we don’t love in a bid to get rid of our citizenship? Some of us are already living or want to live the American, British, South African, Australian dream because to us.. the Zimbabwean dream is only just that.. A dream. It simply does not exist anymore. I think one thing to draw pride from, is our resilience through the most testing of times. (2008.. that is all.)

We cannot ignore the blatant problems our generation has faced, the most pertinent being global unemployment. Without any political influence we may feel powerless and about as heard as voices shouting in the wind. We could spend all day talking about whose fault what is, but the real question is whether we will bear the burden of responsibility to bring about change. I would rather get into something we can actively and visibly influence: ourselves, our families communities and resultantly, the whole nation. I believe we are at the helm of our own contribution. Not merely resource-wise, but socially, environmentally, technologically (see what I did there?) and dare I say, spiritually. As with all things worthwhile, it takes courage to not take the easy way out. It takes a faith and a conscience of integrity to be able to rebuild. Ask Germany after the hyperinflation period or Rwanda after the genocide.

It’s easy to ask what your country can do for you and complain when you don’t get it. Most of us had a vision for our lives that did not include being well into our 20s still ‘figuring it out’ but this is commonplace among young Zimbabweans. We wanted autonomy and comfort and we feel frustrated at our government for not enabling these ambitions. Entitled as you may be to support, there is another way to confront the realities of today. The opportunity like John F. Kennedy said “to ask what you can do for your country.” Some of us are fortunate to access more than just the basic amenities and it still isn’t enough. We could be called to devote our time in a certain area but if it does not pay us enough, we will call “next!” because it is not where we envisioned ourselves on the ladder. Voluntary work is something we should do more of because it doesn’t just look good on your CV; it improves the lives of the needy and shows the selflessness of dedicating your time, energy and skills without recompense. (I could definitely do more in this area.) There is more to life than just your dreams, and sometimes it begins with finding fulfilment outside of your own comfort zone and trusting God to take care of your needs.

It’s easy to run to greener pastures. We want better for ourselves and our children – so we leave. I don’t condemn those that do, as I am one of those whose hand was forced by “the situation”. You leave, you excel, you leave your mark yet you can’t help but wish you belonged or were recognised as a first-class citizen. I salute those brave enough to bring their expertise back and tend the Zimbabwean grass. Some have returned without any guarantees, leaving behind the luxuries of a developed nation to come back to uncertainty, struggle and the pitying questions “so when will you go back, what will you do here?” Uncertainty takes away our control over a situation and leaves us with the bare minimum but it also makes way for innovation, entrepreneurship, reflection and at times, reorientation. There is a time to explore and a time to settle and you are where you are for a purpose. Release your anxiety. There is nothing wrong with making a life and serving outside your country, but there is definitely something wrong with shame and apathy for your people. We should stop living in wait for better or for someone to fix the messes, but rather we should always be asking ourselves how we can be part of the solution. You cannot single-handedly control the system, but you can pray for it and leave it in the hands of the sovereign God who administers timely justice and mercy.

It’s easy to give up on the Zimbabwean dream and become despondent; to settle for the mediocre or never be content in your search for more. But there is a light amidst the rubble and we must not stop digging until we find it. We must change the eyes through which we see Zimbabwe and nurture the passion to learn from the mistakes of others. We must be courageous enough to continue to hope for a better reality that we can be a part of. We have must have enough curiosity to stay informed about important issues. We must have enough humility to be patient with the process.

Here is why independence is relevant: it is not just about the past, it is about the present and the future. It gives us a chance to look at what we are doing for our country, and where we are headed. It reminds us that it is our duty to initiate positive action in our communities and be ambassadors wherever else we may be. We are the infrastructure. God was intentional with your place of birth. Your identity is not in the job you have or do not have, the wealth you accumulate, or even your nationality, it is in the way you use your gifts to make the world around you a better place. One day we too shall sit in office, under the world's critical eye and have to ask ourselves what we made of the opportunities independence afforded us.

May the Almighty protect and bless our land.