By Own Correspondent



THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says only the highly connected corrupt few continue to enjoy the fruits of Independence while the majority are enduring the hardships of abject poverty.

In a statement to mark the country's 44th Independence Day commemorations, the ZCTU president , Florence Taruvinga said while workers salute the gallant freedom fighters who played a colossal role to liberate the country from the evil minority rule, the benefits of the struggle are yet to be enjoyed.

 She said millions of citizens remain stuck in the dream for independence with all hopes becoming nothing but just dust and ashes.

"Independence remains a harsh reality for most Zimbabweans who are still living in abject poverty. Only a handful of individuals and their families can safely claim to be independent. Lavish lifestyles from ill-gotten wealth and corruption have become the hallmark of a few individuals who have virtually replaced the Rhodesians," she said.

She said instead , the occasion must be seized as an opportunity for the people to revisit and evaluate the founding values and principles of the liberation struggle that were hinged on self-determination and social justice against the obtaining situation.

 

The labour leader said Independence was hyped by political and economic freedom with promises of equality and equity which fast  disappeared like the morning dew creating a situation where political and freedom of association remains  a pipe dream for the majority.

 

"Zimbabwe today is totally divorced from those founding values which has caused it to derail both politically and economically.The chains of bondage are manifesting through violence, corruption, deprivation, inequalities and repression.

"The Jewel of Africa is being plundered by a few and is now the Basket case of Africa.As we celebrate independence this year let us take time to evaluate and find where we got it wrong," said Taruvinga.

She said under the current system  the environment for workers is harsh on the back of peanuts earnings and pensions which are too little to sustain families.

The ZCTU leader said the conditions are even dire for the desperate workers employed  in the informal economy where local authorities continue to treat them as criminals.

"Workers are tired of rhetoric and empty promises of a better life from the government. We have endured unfulfilled visions from Housing for all by 2000, Vision 2020 and now Vision 2030.Zimbabweans need to feel at home in their own country and stop reminiscing about the colonial services they used to enjoy.

"The migration of our people to neighbouring countries seeking employment worse still menial jobs is an indicator that 44 years after independence there was no forward planning on industrialization," added Taruvinga.