The broad masses should become masters of their political destiny occupy the commanding heights of the economy and foster unfettered cultural expression. In Rhodesia, the fighters and the masses were to be educated to appreciate and understand that, while they were fighting to overthrow he settler oppression, they were simultaneously fighting to build a new society that would guarantee all democratic freedoms and rights for all Zimbabweans without the exploitation of man by man.”
These are the powerful thoughts of Wilfred Mhanda aka Dzinashe Machingura or Dzino, in his book “Memories of a Freedom Fighter”. I strongly recommend those who wish to see and contribute to a new social order in Zimbabwe to read this book.
If only our leaders had committed themselves to what he stood for, Zimbabwe would surely be in a better place today. As we attempt to create a new Zimbabwe, it is important we realise that the job was only half done. Our responsibility must be to clearly appreciate and understand our history and how it has shaped our current circumstances.
Wilfred’s chronological description of events and their impact on the ultimate objectives of freedom are liberating to read. I got a sense of his unflinching dedication to the cause and outstanding leadership qualities that forced him to lead by example – whether it was in the camps or face-to-face with the enemy on the battle field. He was not big-headed or arrogant, but was circumspect and very clear on the objectives of the struggle. If only we had leaders like that now!
He was a highly intelligent and dedicated cadre whose whole life was dedicated to the total freedom and liberation of Zimbabweans. That he was not declare a national hero proves the very points he made in his observations that the liberation struggle was hijacked by nationalists who, to this day, pretended to be our liberators and have nominated themselves as the sole and exclusive heroes of the struggle.
The West nearly derailed the objectives of the armed struggle in pursuing détente. But the establishment of ZIPA, led by Wilfred and others, derailed these intentions. ZIPA’s strategic intervention to continue the armed struggle despite détente remains the least appreciated phase that shaped our history.
The culture and value system of Zimbabwe today has been hugely influenced by events during the struggle, which included arbitrary arrest and killings and the abhorrence by ZANU then, of anyone who dared to challenge its leadership. It is instructive to see that Wilfred noted these tendencies early on and did what he could do to instil new values of unity and solidarity among our political parties.
He failed – and out of it came a regime that believes that violence and the gun are the only guarantors of political power. To this day we suffer for it. The problems we face today have been festering since the struggle.
I fear at times that we are wasting our time trying to dislodge a regime through the ballot box. The evidence reveals that this is highly unlikely to happen as long as the military is in charge. That is one sad fact we must all admit. Only a national democratic revolution can free Zimbabwe.
For Wilfred, besides a dedicated and selfless leadership, a national democratic revolution can only be possible through the existence of an inclusive organisation to spearhead the struggle. This organisation must craft a compelling vision of hope and articulate a unifying national agenda. It must establish a revolutionary programme of action with clear objectives and the thorough mobilisation of the people around popular aspirations of equity, justice and prosperity.
The Zimbabwe we have today is not the Zimbabwe we want, nor is it the Zimbabwe that honourable men like Dzino sacrificed their lives for. We owe it to them to continue the journey to total liberation.
I regret that I did not get an opportunity to meet Dzino. To me he remains the most unrecognised hero simply because he chose to do what is right with utmost integrity and dedication to the cause. – Vince Musewe is an economist and author based in Harare. You may contact him on vtmusewe@gmail.com
Post published in: News