As Zimbabwe commemorated 40 years of independence on Saturday, there were mixed feelings of fear and joy among citizens.
Wishing a Blessed 40th Independence Day to the people of #ZIMBABWE ??!
On April 18, 1980, Bob Marley & The Wailers performed live at the inaugural Zimbabwe Independence celebrations as the nation gained its freedom from British imperial rule. #todayinbobslife #AfricaUnite pic.twitter.com/r5R8E8wE7U
— Bob Marley (@bobmarley) April 18, 2020
For the first time, there was no major public event to mark the anniversary due to the national lockdown currently in place to curb the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The festivities were limited to a television address by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“The reality of the COVID-19 pandemic is seeing us endure a necessary lockdown in our homes. Although we are physically separated, we are united in spirit. The time to celebrate together shall come. For our founding fathers, the gallant heroes or heroines, the patriotic thing to do was to fight for our freedom. Today our task, in relation to COVID-19, is to stay at home.”
COVID-19 Update: As at 18 April Zimbabwe had 25 confirmed cases, including three (3) deaths. Two (2) people have recovered. pic.twitter.com/BoIXvyPhYb
— Ministry of HealthZW (@MoHCCZim) April 18, 2020
ZANU-PF Youth League leader Tendai Chirau agrees the lockdown is necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“We are used to having a very big audience where we go to a stadium where there is funfair; we listen to the president, people are dressed to kill. This year, it is unfortunate that because of this pandemic, which has affected the globe and also the nation, we are confined at home. The feeling is not the same, but we are in a war situation so we have to keep ourselves safe and the lockdown is to our advantage. It is in the interest of our security. So, this is an unusual situation.”
Despite being independent, the last 40 years have not been easy for Zimbabweans. Africa’s former bread basket is struggling to return to its former economic glory and COVID-19 brought economic pressure on an already struggling economy.
Business leaders have called on President Mnangagwa to not extend the lockdown in fear of a total collapse.
Through social media, Zimbabweans reflected on how a united nation defeated their greatest enemy. They posted their wish for a turnaround of the country’s soci0economic status.
Happy Independence Day Zimbabwe!
I love my country regardless of what is happening. It shall be well one day!#ZimAt40 pic.twitter.com/6wdTU6Pwvi— Duduzile Nyirongo (@dudumo) April 18, 2020
Zimbabwe is 40 years old. It’s been quite a journey. What time in the 4 decades will you remember as the best of times? For me, Independence Day. It was a time of hope, enjoying the first fruits of freedom and looking foward to so much promise. #ZimbabweAt40 ?? pic.twitter.com/Eujr1Tr3s4
— Peter Ndoro (@peterndoro) April 17, 2020
Happy independence Zim?????????????????? I pray better days are too come #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/0HmoTScDPK
— Paida-moyo Dausi ?????????? (@dausi_natalie) April 18, 2020
In the video below, Zimbabwe celebrates 40 years of independence:
Zimbabwe formally overcame British Colonial rule in 1980, denouncing the name Rhodesia and becoming a new African state.
