mbulelo smpofu
Marshall Ndlela, mefrischool@gmail.com
THE conversation around the necessity of implementing a national service programme for Zimbabwean youth has gained significant traction in recent years.
As we delve into the historical context of national service — from its roots in Rhodesia and South Africa to contemporary implementations in countries such as Germany — it becomes evident that establishing a structured national service initiative could foster a renewed sense of unity, national identity, and patriotism among the youth of Zimbabwe.
Historically, national service has been utilised in various forms across the globe.
In Rhodesia, before Zimbabwe’s independence, young men were often conscripted into military service during the liberation struggle, imparting a collective understanding of national ideology and the importance of civic responsibility.
Similarly, in South Africa, national service played a significant role during apartheid, underscoring the political and societal factors entwined with serving the nation. Germany presents a successful example of national service, where compulsory service has been integrated into civic education.
This programme emphasises community engagement, public service, and the promotion of democratic values, helping to forge a cohesive national identity among young citizens. The positive outcomes of such initiatives provide a valuable framework for Zimbabwe to consider as it seeks to strengthen national pride.
The potential for national service was realised in Zimbabwe in the mid-2000s when efforts were made to introduce the programme. However, political contention and economic decline hindered its implementation, depriving a generation of young Zimbabweans of meaningful engagement with their country.
Today, the need for a resurgence of this initiative is evident. The call for national service stems from a necessity to cultivate national identity, political positioning, and patriotism among the youth. With the alarming rise of disloyalty among some Zimbabweans — particularly evident on social media where individuals readily criticise their own country — implementing national service could foster a stronger sense of civic duty. Instead of disparaging Zimbabwe, citizens would learn to appreciate, defend, and contribute positively to their national identity.
One of the most pressing issues in Zimbabwe is the difficulty citizens face in separating their political beliefs from their national identity. Partisan politics often clouds civic pride, leading individuals to sow hatred and division rather than unity. Political players, from grassroots members to prominent leaders, must actively work towards eliminating the politics of hatred and building a society centred on mutual respect and collaboration. Additionally, the elimination of political polarisation and regionalism is essential for fostering a cohesive national identity. The challenge is especially pronounced in regions which advocate for separatism and tribalism.
Addressing these sentiments requires a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and unity, emphasising that all Zimbabweans, regardless of their background, share a common national identity.
High-profile Zimbabweans, including academics and public figures, often contribute to the culture of division by attacking or mocking the nation, which diminishes national pride and hinders the collective effort required for unity. There has been a troubling investment in bitter, anti-Zimbabwean sentiments that not only alienate individuals but also fracture the social fabric. National service can serve as a remedy to this divide by focusing on common values, community service, and shared goals rather than political affiliations.
Implementing a national service programme in Zimbabwe provides an opportunity to inspire a strong sense of pride and attachment to the country. The programme should last for one year, during which young Zimbabweans could engage in various fields, including security (military, reserve policing, emergency services) and essential public services areas such as social work, healthcare assistance, and education.
To encourage participation, the Ggovernment can implement incentives such as access to financial systems, driver’s licences, national IDs, passports, and opportunities for higher education. Extending national service to include the children of Zimbabweans in the diaspora can ensure that the programme impacts all citizens. This holistic approach would create a sense of belonging and responsibility across the nation and among its global citizenry.
Currently, the Chitepo School of Ideology partially addresses these gaps by focusing on national ideology and political education. However, its scope remains limited. Expanding this institution to encompass a broader range of disciplines and attract more diverse participants — including municipalities and public service sectors — could enhance its impact significantly. The implementation of national service should go hand-in-hand with efforts to build a Zimbabwe characterised by patriotic representatives across all spheres of life and society. Only through this collective commitment can we hope to overcome the divisive rhetoric that has permeated our political landscape.
Zimbabwe needs leaders who embody a spirit of service, promoting unity and pride rather than division and contempt.
The introduction of national service for Zimbabwean youth emerges as an essential endeavour for cultivating national identity, fostering civic responsibility, and promoting social cohesion. History has shown that countries investing in their youth through structured service initiatives reap considerable psychosocial rewards. By empowering young people in a framework of national pride and collaborative service, Zimbabwe can nurture a generation that is proud of its identity and dedicated to building a brighter future for their nation. As Zimbabwe navigates an era where patriotism must triumph over political divisiveness, national service can ignite a transformation in how its youth perceive their roles within society. This initiative could ultimately steer the nation toward renewed strength and resilience, cultivating a shared vision for a prosperous Zimbabwe that celebrates unity in diversity while actively rejecting the politics of hatred and bitterness. A commitment to national service could be crucial in eliminating disloyal sentiments and addressing regionalism, allowing Zimbabweans to reclaim pride in their nation and contribute positively to its future.
By putting aside divisive ideologies and building a society rooted in patriotism and collective responsibility, Zimbabwe can find its strength and identity.
λ Marshall Ndlela is a Zimbabwean based in Australia. He is a holder of a Master’s Degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Chichester, England. He can be contacted via mefrischool@gmail.com
