Two years ago, a friend in a college in California, US, wanted me to cross over to that part of the world and talk about the character of Literature in the Sout
Zimbabwe celebrates 41 years of independence 18 April 2021 - 10:54 By Lenin Ndebele
DEJA VU Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa celebrated his fourth year in power, as the country marked 41 years of independence on Sunday Image: REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo
On April 18 1980, Rufaro Stadium, Harare at the inaugural Independence Day celebrations, Tanzania’s president Julius Nyerere, addressing the public, advised President Robert Mugabe not to destroy the “jewel economy” of Africa.
Holding the microphone for “Mwalimu” (Swahili for teacher) Nyerere, was Emmerson Mnangagwa at the time state security minister and one of Mugabe’s most trusted allies.
There was euphoria in the air. With black majority rule many wished for jobs, peace and economic growth. However, for 37 years Mugabe had his share of economic, human rights and democratic ruin.