ZICOMO statement on Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence anniversary

This year, we unite in recognition of the 46th anniversary of our independence, a pivotal moment in our history that not only signified the end of colonial rule but also heralded our long-awaited democratic breakthrough.

Independence Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it serves as an important reminder of our past—the struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment of thousands of individuals who fought for our freedom. It invites us to reflect deeply on our journey and to remember the price that was paid for the independence we enjoy today.

As we commemorate this day, it is imperative to confront a crucial question: Who truly enjoys the fruits of Independence in Zimbabwe today? The stark reality is that many of our fellow citizens—particularly vulnerable populations among us including widows, the elderly, opharns, and people with disabilities—continue to survive with profound hardships.

Those who toil daily to make ends meet, the unemployed, the informal traders, vendors striving for survival, and civil servants who receive meagre allowances face increasing challenges. Additionally, informal traders and Small-Medium businesses continue to endure harassment at the hands of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Municipal police officers, fostering a sense of disillusionment with the promises of independence and democracy. Their struggles reveal a failure that goes beyond party politics; it is a systemic issue that reflects a deep-rooted inequality, one that can be attributed solely to the current ZANU-PF manifesto of a small, powerful elite.

As we commemorate our Independence Day, it is important to reflect on the socio-economic challenges facing our nation. Many Zimbabweans are experiencing severe poverty and underdevelopment. This situation can be largely attributed to misplaced priorities established by an elite class, which engages in primitive accumulation of wealth. As a result,  Zimbabwe is being treated more like a private entity than as a sovereign nation, contributing to the ongoing challenges faced by the majority of its citizens. This elite group often behaves as though they are above the law, highlighting a disparity in how wealth is displayed and treated in the country.

While some individuals may flaunt large amounts of foreign currency, many small traders find themselves in legal trouble for operating with modest sums, such as a $20 USD note, in public markets and town squares across cities like Harare’s Fourth Street, Bulawayo’s Tredgegold, at OK Supermarket in Gweru, Moto-Moto Mutare, and at Wimpy in Masvingo. Additionally, small-scale cross-border traders, who are predominantly women and youth striving to support their families, often have their goods confiscated by revenue officers at various border points. In contrast, the elite class, tenderpreneurs (zviganandas) frequently donate cars and cash without fulfilling their tax obligations, further emphasizing the economic inequalities in Zimbabwe.

This has led to a disheartening rise in inequality, with joblessness remaining a defining characteristic of our purported economic growth.

The elite class (Zvigananda) are above the law, whilst the toiling masses suffer from lawfare and a brazen, dirty, corrupt police and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) system.We continue to observe the exploitation and exclusion of villagers in the ongoing resource extraction taking place in their regions. The unfortunate realities faced by communities in Mutoko, Marange, Gwanda, Hwange, Gutu, Buhera, and Inyathi, among others, are disheartening. Forty-six years after independence, ordinary Zimbabweans are still treated as second-class citizens, while corrupt state officials accept small bribes to favour foreign investors.

The liberty and freedom of villagers are under systematic attack.

Fundamentally, we face an ongoing struggle against a predatory elite cabal that seeks to manipulate our hard-won democratic framework to serve their narrow interests.

As we reflect on the significance of Independence Day, we are reminded of the selfless sacrifices made by the sons and daughters of our land who took up arms against colonial oppression. Their fight was not merely for liberation but was also deeply rooted in addressing the economic and racial injustices that plagued our society. The struggle encompassed the fight for land—land that had been unjustly appropriated by the minority white population—as well as the fight for One-Man-One-Vote, essential for dismantling a constitutional order that had historically marginalised the black majority, relegating them to the depths of poverty and segregation.

The date of April 18, 1980, marked a watershed moment when the Union Jack was lowered, giving way to the Zimbabwean flag—a powerful symbol of new hope and prosperity.

We take pride in the fact that in 2013, the people of Zimbabwe crafted their own constitution and participated in a referendum to adopt the new charter, a momentous achievement reflecting the collective will of our citizens.

Unfortunately, this hard-earned national contract is now under siege, as a reactionary clique in this government appears intent on dismantling it piece by piece. The introduction of the Constitutional Amendment Number 3, Bill of 2026, is a regression that undermines the aspirations our people hold dear: the very values for which many sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle. Whilst constitutions can be amended from time to time, the process has to be legal and consultative. Changing the supreme contract without a referendum is the worst sign of dictatorship.

These amendments signal a disturbing trend: a calculated move to transform Zimbabwe into a one-party state, a dynasty with President Mnangagwa positioning to crown himself Munhumutapa III, edging the nation toward an absolute monarchy. The fundamental rights that we fought for—such as the rights to freedom of assembly and expression—are increasingly under threat as ZANU-PF seeks to solidify its authoritarian grip on power.

The disheartening scenes witnessed during recent public hearings, where citizens were systematically silenced and denied the opportunity to participate freely, represent a serious affront to our democracy and merit unyielding condemnation.

The unlawful dismissal of Jessie Majome, who served as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) follows a recent pattern of capture of opposition political parties through choreographed recalls and court judgements at whose heart is to destroy voices of dissent.

On November 24, 2017, the military described its operations as a mission to “restore order,” specifically targeting individuals accused of theft in close proximity to then-President Mugabe. Now, with the introduction of a proposed Constitutional Amendment, there is a movement to redefine the military’s role. Instead of primarily focusing on upholding the Constitution and saluting the national flag, the proposal suggests that the military’s responsibilities should shift toward “defending/protecting Munhumutapa III.” This raises important questions for our state institutions: Are these policies and constitutional changes aimed at fostering a new vision for a great Zimbabwe, or do they risk undermining the sacrifices made by those who fought for our independence?

It is particularly disheartening that these developments are occurring just before the anniversary of our nation’s independence, a time that should be marked by the celebration of our democratic values and human rights.

In response to these urgent issues, we call on all Zimbabweans to stand firm in our diversity as a powerful force and to fiercely resist the erosion of our constitution. This fight is not just a reflection of our liberation struggle but is essential for fulfilling the aspirations of the post-independence generations.

We cannot afford to be complacent. If we allow this constitutional dismantling to continue unchecked, we risk facing even more severe amendments—such as Amendment Number 4—which would lead our nation straight into a full blown dictatorship, banning political parties and civil society. It is time to act decisively and protect democracy and our hard won independence.

The proposed “national title deeds” on the agricultural land program is similar but different in methodology from the colonisation of Zimbabwe itself. The proposal to force farmers to pay the upper of $2000 USD per hectare seeks to ensure that the current Zvigananda and their foreign collaborators become the new landed class in Zimbabwe. They want to install themselves as the new “billionaires” without even producing a matchstick. This will automatically reduce ordinary people from being citizens to slaves. This must be resisted even if it means another revolution. Land is our birthright!

We must unite to defend the hard-won freedoms that define our nation and uphold the democratic ideals our forebears fought so valiantly to establish. It is imperative that Zimbabwe returns to order and constitutionalism. Our taxes should unequivocally be allocated toward building our hospitals, schools, and public transport systems, as well as supporting restorative justice for issues like Gukurahundi, and providing for civil servants and war veterans. The current abuse of our tax money to bribe political actors with cash and cars is just as reprehensible as Ian Smith’s use of hut taxes to finance arms that oppressed the majority of black Zimbabweans. This must end.

Happy Independence Zimbabwe. May 2026 be the year of the people!