daniel chigunwe
Marylin Mutize
Herald Correspondent
In recent times, there has been a surge in narratives attempting to discredit the strides Zimbabwe has made since independence in 1980.
Detractors argue that life under colonial rule in Rhodesia was “better,” claiming that Zimbabwe has regressed since independence.
These assertions, often voiced by individuals nostalgic for an era of racial privilege, not only dismiss the systemic oppression faced by the majority during colonial rule, but also overlook the significant progress Zimbabwe has achieved in building a nation that prioritises inclusivity, equality, and development.
To understand why these comparisons are fundamentally flawed, it is vital to revisit the realities of colonial Rhodesia and the systemic inequities that defined it. Colonial Rhodesia was a state founded on racial segregation and economic disenfranchisement of the black majority.
Land ownership was starkly inequitable; white settlers, who constituted a small fraction of the population, controlled over 80 percent of arable land.
This left the black majority confined to less fertile communal areas, struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
Education and healthcare were similarly discriminatory. Access to quality educational institutions and healthcare facilities was a privilege reserved for the white minority.
Black Rhodesians were largely excluded from higher education and professional opportunities, ensuring their perpetual subjugation to menial labour roles.
Political participation was virtually non-existent for the black population, as the franchise was restricted by property and income qualifications that most blacks could not meet, leaving them voiceless in their own country.
The brutality of the Rhodesian regime against those who sought liberation – detentions without trial, executions, and massacres – was another grim hallmark of this period.
Independence in 1980 marked the dawn of a new era.
It marked the end of racial segregation and the advent of majority rule were monumental achievements that restored dignity to millions.
Zimbabwe’s progress since then, though not without challenges, is undeniable. One of the most significant transformations has been in education.
Zimbabwe now boasts one of the highest literacy rates in Africa, a testament to the Government’s commitment to universal education.
Schools have been built in rural and urban areas alike, and access to education is no longer determined by race or class. This is a sharp departure from the Rhodesian era, where quality education was a privilege reserved for the white minority. Land reform, while contentious, was an effort to redress historical injustices.
The redistribution of land from a few thousand white commercial farmers to hundreds of thousands of black Zimbabweans has empowered many families to own productive land.
While the programme faced challenges, it was meant to correct the economic imbalance created during colonial rule.
The new farmers, some of whom were once labourers on white-owned farms, now own land, giving them the opportunity to participate fully in the agricultural economy, which has increased both their income and sense of dignity.
Healthcare has also seen remarkable expansion. In the early 1980s, Government embarked on a mission to build clinics and hospitals across the country, bringing healthcare services closer to underserved communities.
Today, no Zimbabwean is barred from accessing medical care due to their skin colour or economic standing, a stark contrast to the Rhodesian system. Women in rural areas, who were once forced to travel long distances for basic healthcare, now have access to maternity clinics and child health programmes within their communities.
Critics often point to Zimbabwe’s economic struggles as evidence of failure.
However, these challenges cannot be understood without acknowledging the impact of external factors.
Sanctions imposed by Western nations, particularly after the land reform programme, have stifled the country’s access to international finance and markets. The economic structural adjustment programmes of the 1990s, dictated by international financial institutions, also had a devastating impact, leading to de-industrialisation and job losses.
These external pressures have compounded domestic challenges, creating an economic environment often ignored by detractors. Despite these hurdles, Zimbabwe has demonstrated resilience.
The Second Republic’s recent focus on economic diversification, infrastructure development, and self-reliance is beginning to bear fruit.
Roads, dams, and power stations are being constructed at a scale not seen in decades, laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
Investments in renewable energy and irrigation systems are addressing critical gaps in agriculture and energy supply, ensuring that Zimbabwe is better prepared to face future challenges.
Those who romanticise Rhodesia often ignore that its perceived “prosperity” was built on the exploitation of black labour and the exclusion of the majority from economic participation.
For whom, exactly, was Rhodesia “better”? For the minority who enjoyed the fruits of an oppressive system?
The argument crumbles when examined through the lens of equity and justice. Zimbabwe, for all its challenges, is a nation striving to include everyone in its development journey. The fact that every Zimbabwean can now vote, own land, and access education and healthcare is a profound testament to the country’s progress.
Another overlooked aspect of Zimbabwe’s journey is its growing engagement with global partners who respect the sovereignty of African nations.
Unlike Rhodesia, which was diplomatically isolated due to its racist policies, Zimbabwe has forged partnerships with countries like China, Russia, and South Africa. These collaborations are bringing investments in mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure, helping to rebuild the economy in ways that prioritise local involvement.
Zimbabwe’s story is one of liberation, resilience, and aspiration. It is a narrative that continues to unfold, shaped by the determination of its people and the lessons of its past.
While there is still work to be done in addressing other systemic issues, the way forward lies in acknowledging the strides made since independence and collectively working to overcome the remaining obstacles.
Zimbabwe has proven time and again that it is capable of defying the odds. As the country invests in its people, infrastructure, and industries, the future looks promising.
To compare Zimbabwe to Rhodesia is to juxtapose a system of oppression with a system of liberation.
The former thrived on the exclusion and suffering of the majority, while the latter is built on the principles of equality and justice.
The choice between the two is clear to those who value freedom and dignity. Detractors may continue to peddle their narratives, but Zimbabwe’s progress speaks for itself.
The country is free – and that, above all, is worth celebrating.
