Has Zimbabwe achieved its pre-independence aspirations of African sovereignty?

LINDA TSUNGIRIRAI MASARIRA*

When Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980 after a protracted liberation struggle, the hopes of millions of black Zimbabweans soared. The war of liberation was not merely about ending white minority rule. It was a revolutionary pursuit of African sovereignty: political freedom, economic self-determination, cultural revival, and social justice. Forty-five years later, the question remains has Zimbabwe truly achieved the sovereignty it fought for?

Political independence is a step towards sovereignty. The birth of Zimbabwe marked a crucial milestone in the quest for African sovereignty. The end of the Rhodesian regime and the rise of majority rule under Prime Minister Robert Mugabe symbolized a reclaiming of African dignity and agency. Colonial flags were lowered, indigenous languages began to flourish in public institutions, and the education system was transformed to reflect the country's African identity.

Furthermore, Zimbabwe established a foreign policy that boldly challenged Western imperialism, often standing in solidarity with other African liberation movements. For a time, the nation seemed to embody the Pan-African ideal of a free and self-governing Africa.

The land question is a double-edged sword. Land reform was the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s independence aspirations. The colonial system had dispossessed indigenous communities of their land, and its return was both a political promise and a symbol of sovereignty. The Fast Track Land Reform Programme, initiated in 2000, sought to correct historical injustices by redistributing land from white commercial farmers to black Zimbabweans.

While the intent was aligned with sovereignty, the implementation was marred by chaos, corruption, and violence. Productive farms were handed to politically connected elites rather than the landless poor. Agricultural output plummeted, contributing to food insecurity and economic collapse. Thus, the dream of economic independence through land reform was undermined by poor planning and elite capture.

Economic sovereignty is still a distant dream. True sovereignty extends beyond political control, and it encompasses economic autonomy. Despite reclaiming land and asserting political independence, Zimbabwe remains economically vulnerable. The country has suffered severe economic crises, from hyperinflation and currency collapse to industrial decline and a heavy dependence on imports.

Foreign-owned corporations and multinational mining interests continue to extract Zimbabwe’s natural wealth with limited beneficiation. The informal sector now dominates the economy, and millions have fled the country in search of better opportunities. Remittances from the diaspora have become a lifeline, exposing the fragility of the nation’s economic sovereignty.

Furthermore, the country’s frequent reliance on loans and aid from China, the IMF, and other external actors compromises its ability to shape an independent economic path.

Governance and accountability are the missing links. A truly sovereign nation is one where the people are the masters of their destiny, not just in name but in practice. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe’s post-independence governance record has betrayed the ideals of the liberation struggle.

Successive elections have been marred by irregularities, intimidation, and violence. Corruption has become systemic, draining national resources and eroding public trust. The judiciary, parliament, and other key institutions have been weakened, often serving political interests rather than the people.

Instead of delivering freedom, justice, and prosperity, the ruling elite has become indistinguishable from the oppressors they replaced. The repression of dissenting voices and civil society further distances Zimbabwe from the democratic ideals many died for during the liberation war.

Cultural and youth disillusionment is a major challenge. While strides have been made in promoting African languages, history, and traditional leadership structures, cultural sovereignty remains incomplete. Western cultural influence continues to dominate media, education, and lifestyle.

More critically, Zimbabwe's youth, who should be the torchbearers of independence, have become increasingly disillusioned. Unemployment, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, and the constant need to migrate have created a lost generation that sees little value in the gains of independence. Their aspirations are global, not national, as they feel abandoned by a state that once promised empowerment.

In conclusion, the struggle continues unabated. Zimbabwe has achieved partial African sovereignty. Political independence and land reform were historic milestones. However, without economic justice, transparent governance, and inclusive development, these gains remain hollow.

The promise of 1980 has not yet been fulfilled. Sovereignty is not just about flags and borders. It is about dignity, self-reliance, and justice for every citizen. The current generation must rekindle the liberation spirit not through war but through rebuilding institutions, reclaiming the economy, and centring the people in all development.

Until Zimbabweans collectively realize the vision of a free, prosperous, and dignified African state, the dream of true African sovereignty remains. 

*Linda Tsungirirai Masarira is the president of the political party Labour, Economist and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) and writes here in her own personal capacity.