EFF STATEMENT ON ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENCE DAY

18 April 2016

The EFF celebrates and congratulates the people of Zimbabwe on the occasion of their 36th Anniversary of Colonial independence. Today, 36 year ago the Zimbabwean people ended a century of colonial rule, as well as racist and segregationist white minority rule. For the first time since the 1880s, a government constituted by the people, in particular indigenous and natives people of Zimbabwe was formed, headed by President Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwean independence represented an important step forward in the attainment of the African Revolution. From Cicil Rhodes to Ian Smith, Zimbabweans lived under the wreath of racist anti-black government and white minority whose entire basis was denial the humanity of Africans. The colonizer dispossessed then of their lands and wealth, turning the native Africans into a hated, defeated and despised race.

We celebrate the resilience of the people of Zimbabwe who from the day Cecil Rhodes set foot in Zimbabwe, together with the British South Africa Company, have been resisting colonial rule. We celebrate the many heroes and heroines who fought in the insurrection wars of the late 1800s in the Matebeleland Rebellions. We celebrate the second Chimurenga of 1964 to 1979 that ultimately led to independence.

Zimbabwe remains an inspiration to the South African liberation struggle in particular the lesson that without the land, decolonization is incomplete and a social time bomb. With all its weaknesses, Zimbabwe stood the test of time regardless of being isolated by world big forces (through sanctions) for its insistence on returning the land to its native populations. Today, many Zimbabwean black families own and work their lands, something many in the continent do not share.

There is no other country in the continent whose history is so similar to ours than Zimbabwe. This is in terms of how colonial rule ensued in application of racial segregation, and how the maintenance of minority white settler community continued at the expense of native Zimbabweans long after independence. Its path to liberation is a great example of what should be done, and what should not be done in our own struggle of economic freedom.

The EFF is inspired by the Zimbabweans and their historical lesson shall inform how we engage in our own struggle to return the land to its rightful owners for the total emancipation of our people.

We want also thank the people of Zimbabwe because our own liberation is unthinkable without their contribution. In particular their sacrifice in postponing the resolution of the land question so that our own transition to democratic and inclusive rule could materialize.

We say Phambili nge Chrimurenga Phambili nge Hondo! May the Zimbabwean revolution and Chimurenga bare fruits of a prosperous, equal and just society.

Statement issued by the Economic Freedom Fighters, 18 April 2016