by MKHOKHELI NCUBE
MAPHISA – AS Zimbabwe approaches 46 years of independence, many residents of Matobo District in Matabeleland South say there is little to celebrate.
For them, the promise of freedom has not translated into meaningful development, jobs, or improved living standards.
Across Maphisa and surrounding areas, frustration is palpable. Residents argue that decades after independence, their communities remain marginalised, underdeveloped, and excluded from key economic opportunities.
They accuse the ruling ZANU-PF government of prioritising political survival over people-centred development.
Thandiwe Masuku, a Maphisa resident, expressed deep disappointment at what she sees as squandered potential.
“Imagine for 46 years now today, yet we have nothing developmental to talk about here in Maphisa, and the ruling ZANU-PF believes we are independent, liberated or free? This is pure madness! If one looks around here, the entire district has the potential to become an economic hub, but because of wrong priorities and neglect, we find ourselves in this same old story of underdevelopment,” Masuku said.
Her concerns reflect broader grievances in Matabeleland, a region long affected by limited industrial investment, high unemployment, deteriorating infrastructure, and migration of young people to neighbouring countries in search of work.
Nomalanga Ndlovu told Matabele Today that she will not participate in this year’s independence celebrations, citing what she describes as shrinking democratic space and worsening economic conditions.
“If I may honestly ask you, what is there for me to celebrate here? Firstly, those that express themselves against poor governance and corruption by ZANU-PF are arrested and thrown into jails. Is it worth celebrating? Worse, our children always leave the country in droves to neighbouring countries simply because the ZANU-PF regime has completely failed us. They are just a bunch of looters, oppressors, thieves and corrupt elite,” Ndlovu said.
Jabulani Moyo echoed similar sentiments: “Independence or no independence celebration there is no difference at all. Our country is being led by greedy, corrupt and careless crooks masquerading as leaders.”
For many residents, independence celebrations feel symbolic rather than transformative.
They argue that political freedom should be accompanied by tangible improvements such as reliable water supplies, upgraded schools and hospitals, functioning roads, support for small-scale farmers, and job creation initiatives for youth.
Nkosikhona Dube said he would rather leave town on the day of the celebrations.
“Mark my words, the majority of those people who throng Maphisa for the so-called independence celebration will be bused from elsewhere outside Matabeleland south province simply because the ZANU-PF regime knows there is nothing worth celebrating about,” Dube said.
Mthokozisi Ncube called for generational change in leadership:
“Zimbabwe requires just new leaders, especially our youths, otherwise such clueless madhalas will not take us anywhere. Zimbabwe is blessed with capable leaders, tech experts, economists, entrepreneurs and business leaders in the diaspora, but their skills are not embraced because we are led by clueless, greedy and corrupt ZANU-PF regime,”
Residents say meaningful reforms would restore hope.
They point to decentralised development funding, anti-corruption measures, respect for human rights, transparent governance, revival of local industries, and deliberate inclusion of Matabeleland in national planning processes as steps that would make independence truly worth celebrating.
This year’s independence celebrations are set to be held at Minda High School in Matobo District, Matabeleland South.
For many in Maphisa, however, the true celebration will come only when independence is felt not just in speeches and ceremonies, but in jobs, dignity, opportunity, and accountable leadership.
