Zimbabwe and the development of a genuinely independent societyon the basis of majority rule.
by Jan Freidun Taravosh
29th of novemeber 2009
Introduction:
Much have been written about the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe. In the 60’s and 70’s this was the hot topic in many magazines all over the world, it was a prominent subject being discussed in the east and the west, alike and even within academic circles people were not afraid to utter words of solidarity, and understanding towards the people’s struggle for liberation which within the ruling circles in the west generally was written of as “Marxist terrorism” and the freedom fighters where considered “savage Africans.”
The actual reality of dynamic development in independent Zimbabwe, today despite economic warfare sanctions and embargoes brought out by bitter colonial powers, The Zimbabwean masses stand united in a common vision that the people should be the masters of their own destiny.
A broadly based popular movement for dynamic development in Zimbabwe and Beyond
In today’s Zimbabwe a broad based popular movement happening to further strengthen the independent development in this peace loving nation, is in action:
Under the Global Political Agreement this is happening even beyond party boarders - the formation of the inclusive government, in 2008. along with such progressive measures as the further facilitation of the legendary land reform, The Government’s Farming Mechanisation Programme, the mining mechanisation plan, the indgenisation and empowerment law and The new economic recovery plan STERP, only to name a few.
Simultaneously Beyond the boarders of this Pan African state we see the strengthening of fair trade, and mutual co-operation within the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and COMESA. but also beyond African borders within the forum for China-Africa co-operation, the Africa Latin America solidarity organisation and the Non Alignment Movement. All this is derived from the natural development of the ZANU PF Governments revolutionary unity policy and the anti imperialistic Look East policy, a policy which has further strengthened the foundation for a strong cultural and scientific exchange with other independent and progressive nations, such as the Bolivian Republic of Venezuela, The Republic of Cuba, The Libyan Great Arab socialist Jahamariya, the People’s republic of Bangladesh and the Islamic Republic of Iran among others in the face of western hostility. The look east policy is a dynamic and progressive policy which stands firm on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.
Yet western media have no interest in reporting on anything about this in a sincere manner. Zimbabwe is quickly written of an isolated nation on the brink of disaster. it has got a lot to do with the fact that western powers are not willing to accept the fact that Zimbabwe is no longer a colony.
Zimbabwe - not your average carbon copy of socialism alá the eastern bloc
What even more unfortunate is that also within the progressive movement here in the west many people tend to be more willing to belittle Zimbabwe rather than trying to understand the true dynamics of development in the independent African nation. I think much of this has do with the fact that Zim is not your average carbon copy of socialism alá the eastern bloc and thus an estranged attitude persist towards progressive movements in Africa as a whole. (MPLA, ANC, SWAPO and Frelimo have suffered a similar faith.) within the and imperialist camp and the progressive camp alike, at least in the west. In Africa, for that matter as well as in Asia and Latin America - The people fighting for justice, dignity and self determination see the independent republic of Zimbabwe in a totally different light, namely as a role model and a source of inspiration.
With all the demonising up ahead towards the Zimbabweans, combined with lots of prejudice which goes together with the western “orphan perspective” which is a racist perspective bent on considering African people unable to stand on their own two feet makes it difficult for many people to accept the fact that the Zimbabwean people, together with their own popular leaders follow their own path in the construction of society. This in itself nothing new, but as people seem to forget this every now and then let’s look back at what Comrade R.G. Mugabe explained it in Time Magazine as early as in march 1980:
“our principles must take cognizance of the realities of our
country—the history, traditions and particular circumstances in
which we find ourselves.[...] We want people to participate in shaping their own
Lives at various levels, especially in the countryside. The workers
there will be established into various committees which have a
management role. That's what we envisage. I refuse to borrow
political models. The principles—yes, the principles that people
must finally be their own masters, share the ownership of their resources, peasants being well organized into collective units... [...] There are certain principles we have that derive from
Marxism. But others derive from our own traditions, communal
land ownership, for example.”
Now let’s jump forward a few decades, namely to the time
During the launch of The Revolutionary Party (ZANU P.F.)’s election manifesto February 2008. Comrade Mugabe explained how economic independence is vital, yet he also clarified that it does not have to mean isolation.
In the following statement The revolutionary parties first secretary explained, that people centred economy does not equal shunning international co-operation, contrary to common belief, and misconceptions.
“ We are not about signing away our
non-renewable resources. We are about gainfully sharing
them with well-meaning investors who must recognise
that we are the owners of the resources. Our vision is to
build wealth which is genuinely national. Our vision is to
found an owning society, well empowered to control and
use its resources equitably and sustainably. We have
already started with the Land; we are now focusing on
what lies underneath it: our mineral resources which
must come under the majority control of the Zimbabwean People. These are finite, non-renewable
resources; they cannot be scooped away by foreigners
while we remain disinterested by-standers or mere
underpaid labourers. How then would we say we are
Independent and Sovereign? ZANU (P.F.) does not
believe in paper or flag independence. This is why
ZANU (P.F.) launched the Third Chimurenga, which
must now expand to other sectors of the economy until
our people cease to be minors in their economy.”
The above statements clarify that the isolation often spoken of in western media is a political one, on the part of some western powers, who consider the Zimbabweans to have taken their Chimurenga (shona language for “revolution” too far). I.E, While the former colonial powers where forced to accept the political independence of Zimbabwe after the victory of the second Chimurenga, the former colonial powers nowadays who desperate in trying to maintain their influence in the post colonial world, are less inclined to accept the the third Chimurenga, which focuses on enhancing the economic independence of the masses.
The particular dynamics of Zim’s Revolution
Understood, the Zim revolution is not a one way road, it’s much more multi-facetted than that.
To present a brief description of Zimbabwe's Chimurenga through it’s many stages, let us at first take a look at the initial phase of development after the attaining of independence, and abolishment of apartheid (I.E the advent of majority rule) In Zimbabwe.
the Zimbabwean revolution during the first decades after independence naturally focused on matters such as education and health together as well as peace and reconciliation programmes for political stability, Considering the prolonged years of armed struggle for liberation. A similar series of event have taken place in in many post colonial countries since, such as South Africa, Namibia, Bolivia and Venezuela to name a few.
Where as the early 90’s characterised a weakening in the position of influence of the camp of progressive nations. The late 90’s and the dawn of the new millennium saw a significant weakening of the imperial bloc, which created new impetus for dynamic development in the post colonial bloc, through enhanced Mutual co-operation which created new room for economic development which in the preceding decade had been more complex to pursuit because of fragile economic foundations and political instability which was inherited from colonialist governments.
In the late 90’s Zimbabwe the land reform was further enhanced - furthering empowering the masses of Zimbabwe, and further reshaping the economic, and socio-political landscape of post colonial Africa. The predominant focus on indigenous empowerment and self reliant house hold production rather than the exporting crops of the colonial era, has truly infuriated the western powers, who repeatedly have tried to sow the seeds of discord and interfere in the internal affairs of the Zimbabwean nation. However The Zimbabweans having lived under the colonial yoke of settler colonialism are well aware that Unity of purpose is key to victory, and they are fully aware that the construction of an independent society, is no simple task.
For as R.G Mugabe put it on the eve of his election as the independent republics first prime minister in march 1980:
“I wish to assure all the people that my government will
strive to bring about meaningful change to their lives. But everyone
should exercise patience, for change cannot occur overnight. For
now, let us be united in our endeavour to lead the country to
independence. Let us constitute a oneness derived from our
common objectives and total commitment to build a great
Zimbabwe that will be the pride of all Africa.
Let us deepen our sense of belonging and engender a common
interest that knows no race, colour or creed. Let us truly become
Zimbabweans with a single loyalty.
Long live our freedom!”
Here in the west people tend to denigrate the vast achievements of the Zimbabwean people and many people in the imperialist media, seem only interested in reporting on “hardships from a country on the brink of disaster” The imperialist media, make political statements rather than working in all honesty to raise awareness of the true dynamics of developments in Zimbabwe - and not only that, they take every opportunity they can, to created the faux dishonest picture, that the people where better of during the colonial era. I.E. better of with Apartheid (!) this vile fascist apologetical sentiment is historical revisionism fused with White supremacist ideology of the worst kind which aims at demonising every activity of the majority government. The majority government on the other hand through maintaining a progressive, anti imperialist and people centred approach remains the hope and inspiration of justice seeking people everywhere.
“No challenge or hardship can ever overcome the sense of being independent”
In Zimbabwe there is a saying:
“No challenge or hardship can ever overcome the sense of being independent” As Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe expressed it, in a speech to celebrate Zimbabwean Independence 28th anniversary the 18 of April 2008.
This “we never give up mentality” of the courageous Zimbabwean masses, is nothing to look down upon. If one applies the correct understanding of the dynamic Zimbabwean revolution and rids one self of prejudice and mechanical approaches towards applying political theory. Then I am certain that any peace and justice loving person will see, the just struggle spearhead by the Zimbabwean masses in a different light, - as it rightfully serves as a great source of inspiration for everyone by the way it’s also a great testament of the fact that amazing things can be achieved through unity of purpose, regardless of any hardships.
The myth of Zimbabwe as an isolated “axis of evil” type country
The western media likes to mislead people describing Zimbabwe as a isolated “axis of evil” type country.
Yet if you looking deeper into the matter, and rid yourself of such a “the west is the best” perspective, you will soon realise that the realities of Zimbabwean society goes far beyond the perception of western imperialism and that the majority rule government is very different for traditional bourgeoisie styled western democracy.
for the western establishment who are Rhodesian - white minority fascist rule loving bourgeoisie to accuse the majority government in Zimbabwe to be racist dictatorship or “reversed apartheid” is not only hypocrisy at the highest stage but more importantly a big insult to the peace loving, politically aware and progressive Zimbabwean masses. The above mentioned cheap slander hurled at the Zimbabwean people’s government, goes hand in hand with the economic ware fare of sanctions and embargoes and the like. such slander is only Polluting the media to hide the truth about the progressive nature of the Zimbabwean government.
I Advise progressive, peace loving youth to be aware of this fact and see through the imperialist schemes. In ending let me just quote Comrade Joice Mujuru, Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, who said the following at a training workshop for ZANU PF political commissars and other invited guests in march 2007. Apart from her role in the people’s government Comrade Joice Mujuru is also the party second secretary and member of the presidium and politburo of the ZANU (P.F.) Party
“It is now apparent that the current machinations are a calculated move to cause civil disobedience, fronted by the opposition forces in order to effect a regime change and thus reverse the gains that ZANU PF and its government has achieved in empowering the black majority. By distributing land to the black Zimbabweans, we obviously touched a raw nerve, for which our former colonial masters will work day and night to ensure other former colonies do not follow suit. In other former colonies, political independence has not been followed by economic empowerment of the indigenous population. The former colonial masters will therefore do everything in their capacity to ensure that the model adopted by Zimbabwe does not succeed.
Just like we sacrificed to liberate this country politically, we should expect to be demonized as we fight to control the key means of production. The dream of an independent African country where the black majority control their key factors of production and where the indigenous population legitimately become very rich, should however spur us on!
In opening this workshop, I must point out that as a Party with a revolutionary history, ZANU PF is guided by clear ethical standards, values and norms.
The above underpin the guiding philosophy that has continued to provide the ideological focus for ZANU PF as a mass Party. Today the Party has continued to subsist, deriving its support from the following groups;
i. The Peasants - an integral pillar of our liberation struggle;
ii. The workers - the majority of whom were getting subhuman wages prior to our hard won independence;
iii. The business people - the majority of these are direct beneficiaries of our indgenisation drive;
iv. Women - vana amai vaibikira nguva yehondo uye varamba vari musimboti womusangano wedu; and
v. Progressive youth and students - the future leaders to whom we have a duty to pass on a strong, united and ideologically sound party.
The above social groups remain very critical in the survival of the Party. It is therefore a big challenge that the grassroots leadership must find ways of winning the hearts and minds of these groups and keep them in the fold of the Party. Expectedly, they have become prime targets for regime change agents, especially the youth, students and the workers. It is your key role to ensure that those bent on reversing our hard won freedom do not win the hearts and minds of the above critical groups.”
