- The Measure of Historical Validation
History endures not through dominance or conquest but through its contributions to human survival and progress. The legacy of a person is not determined by violently abusing the less privileged but by being the voice of the voiceless. Zimbabwe’s past—shaped by both colonial infrastructure and liberation struggles—must be evaluated not by grievances alone but by tangible advancements that served humanity.
While colonial rule inflicted undeniable harm, its infrastructural legacy—railways, roads, and towns—remains embedded in Zimbabwe’s landscape. Conversely, the heroes of the liberation struggle are revered, yet their lasting significance hinges on their acquisition of resources against the less privileged. However, the Pioneer Column’s material achievements set a precedent: legacy is measured by enduring value, not fleeting power.
This is not to sanctify settlers but to acknowledge that all human actions balance good and evil. A legacy is defined by net good—what uplifts others outlasts hatred. Conquest alone cannot cement greatness; figures like Idi Amin, though feared, leave no sustainable legacy. True endurance belongs to those who sacrifice for virtue.
- The Duality of Human Nature: Self-Interest vs. Altruism
At the core of societal decay lies a clash of philosophies: self-interest versus altruism. Colonialism’s toxic residue was not merely political oppression but the erosion of Zimbabwe’s communal values. Pre-independence Black culture emphasised respect, kinship, and collective responsibility—virtues discarded under pressure to adopt the settlers’ individualism. Tragically, the liberation fighters assimilated not the Europeans’ discipline or innovation but their materialism and social stratification.
Post-1980, this cultural shift worsened. The allure of low-density suburbs symbolised not progress but a new hierarchy: Black elites replicated colonial exclusion, despising those left behind. Respect became tied to wealth accumulation, not communal contribution. The self-centred philosophy had taken root.
- 1980: A Missed Opportunity for Systemic Change
Independence promised transformation, yet the 1980 elections were less a rejection of systemic injustice and more a plea to end the war. Democracy’s flaw is its vulnerability to short-term interests: voters prioritised peace over principled reform, electing leaders whose ideals mirrored their short-term rather than long-term aspirations.
The greatest good for the majority is what should inspire those concerned, rather than attraction to individual self benefits. Accountability rests not solely with leaders but with citizens, regardless of whether they are white or black. The post-war migration of whites—whether flight from stigma or indifference—reflected irresponsibility on their part.
The migration of Black elites into former white suburbs exposed a concerning adoption of colonial paradigms, potentially stemming from inadequate governance training. Possessing academic qualifications does not inherently equip individuals with the capacity to govern responsibly. Zimbabwe’s current poverty is attributable not only to Mugabe’s authoritarian rule but also to a collective societal failure to demand governance rooted in altruism. This perspective transcends race and class considerations, highlighting broader systemic failures.
The Role of Responsibility in Cultural Transformation
ZANU PF’s prolonged rule largely reflects the electorate’s choices as well. The idea of idolising individual personalities is a syndrome that affects the least educated. Blaming leaders alone ignores complicity: Where were the civic efforts to educate voters? Where was the church—ostensibly a moral beacon—in challenging self-interest? Christianity’s prevalence in Zimbabwe makes its silence more damning; light cannot coexist with cultural decay.
True change requires a return to value-driven actions:
- Reject racialised morality: Rightness is not determined by skin colour but by deeds. Debating Jesus’ race is as irrelevant as reducing the value of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross; his teachings on selflessness are what matter (Philippians 2:5-11). Humanity is as evil as validating personal identities based on race, gender or physical structure.
- Prioritise communal value: Prosperity depends on uplifting others rather than seeking personal advancement or gain. It is a matter of common sense that true success cannot be achieved without prioritising the interests of others. Even thriving businesses succeed because they address the needs of others. While colonialism’s physical remnants persist, its divisive ideology must be dismantled.
- Cultivate responsibility: Privilege should serve as a tool for empowerment, not isolation. White communities could have contributed to post-independence equity, while black elites had the potential to uplift townships. Both groups, however, fell short.
- Conclusion: A Call to Introspection
Zimbabwe’s future depends on confronting its cultural crisis, more than the complaints levelled against those viewed as being the cause of what prevails. Will decisions be driven by self-interest—repeating cycles of decline—or by altruism, fostering shared prosperity, and leaving no one behind? The answer lies in daily choices:
- Voters must demand leaders who serve, not exploit. The idea of worshipping leaders comes from a culture of being ruled rather than being served, as advocated by Jesus, who exemplified this principle (Matthew 20:28)
- Communities must revive “Ubuntu”, valuing contribution over consumption. Survival in this world requires aspiring to serve rather than aspiring to be served.
- Institutions must be structured to preach accountability, not complacency and demand correcting the wrongs where a neighbour fails to abide by the agreed moral codes. We are our brothers/sisters’ keepers.
History evaluates societies by their creations, not their destructions. Zimbabwe’s recognition will arise not from revisiting past battles but from establishing a legacy deserving of its people. One cannot profess love for God without the ability to serve their fellow human beings. The history of Zimbabwe continues to unfold, even forty-five years after gaining independence. However, the critical challenge lies in the Zimbabwean people’s alignment with the fundamental teachings of Jesus, rooted in the principle of altruism.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, which lays down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions that have led to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope in a simple conversational tone.
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