Story by Mhlomuli Ncube, Matabeleland North Bureau Chief
YOUNG people in Matabeleland North Province are grateful for the country’s Independence, which saw them getting access to land and can now venture into sectors such as commercial wheat production.
Land is the means of production in Zimbabwe, making it a crucial driver of core economic activities. It was also the basis for the liberation struggle, which culminated in the country attaining independence in 1980.
As such when the majority black government redistributed this resource at the turn of the millennium, many young people were brought on board as landowners.
From being farm workers, many young people have now become owners who are driving production, enhancing national food security and even contributing to the country’s total exports.
These youths, now into wheat farming, have not forgotten that being land owners today is a result of the country’s hard-won Independence.
Now being full-time employed on their farms, the rural development thrust of Zimbabwe’s Second Republic has given them an opportunity not only to earn income in their own backyards but also to influence national economic dynamics.
“When I look at this land I understand the importance of our Independence. We are self-employed and we do not beg, it is all thanks to our government,” a land beneficiary said.
“We are able to fend for our families, we are happy because had it not been for Independence it was not going to be possible,” another farm owner said
“I could talk about many things on this independence, but the land is what I am most grateful for,” a youth added.
Some of the people are also now into commercial ventures which were once a preserve for white farmers.
“Here we have planted one hectare of apples. This is how we appreciate the government for giving us the land which was won at independence,” a land owner said.
The country has seen varying agriculture projects in Matabeleland North Province.
The young people cultivating wheat and other crops are playing a critical role in Zimbabwe’s Vision of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
As they thrive in tilling the soil, they have not forgotten that had it not been for independence, they would have been servants in their own land.
This year’s independence celebrations will be held in Gokwe Nembudziya under the theme: ‘Zimbabwe @45 Devolve and Develop together towards Vision 2030.’
