By Princess Eugene Majuru
“Colonial Symbols, Cultural Identity and the Question of True Independence: Mambokadzi Arutura Musikavanhu Speaks Out”
In a strongly worded intervention that has reignited national debate on identity and independence, Mambokadzi Arutura Musikavanhu of the Makoni clan—under the traditional leadership lineage associated with Chief Chingaira—has raised concerns about what she describes as the lingering presence of colonial systems in modern Zimbabwe.
At the centre of her argument is the continued resemblance of Zimbabwe Republic Police uniforms to colonial-era British designs, which she believes reflects deeper unresolved historical contradictions nearly 46 years after independence.
Speaking on the issue, Mambokadzi Arutura Musikavanhu emphasized that symbolism matters in nation-building and cultural restoration.
She expressed concern that Zimbabweans are still, in her view, wearing institutional identities shaped by former colonial powers rather than fully indigenous systems of identity. This includes judges hats and Chiefs Royal regalia.
She further argued that the persistence of colonial-style uniforms—down to shoes, socks, and regalia—raises uncomfortable questions about how independence is defined in practice versus in principle. In her words, “independence must be visible, not only spoken,” stressing that national identity should be reflected in every layer of state institutions.
Beyond Uniforms: A Broader Cultural Critique
Her remarks extended beyond policing attire into wider cultural and spiritual concerns. She argued that African societies must “wake up” and reclaim cultural consciousness, stating that colonial influence did not end with political independence.
According to her perspective, many African communities remain, in her words, “asleep to their own power and ancestral strength,” a condition she links to cultural disconnection and weak institutional transformation.
Mambokadzi Arutura Musikavanhu also raised concerns about religious leadership in Zimbabwe, particularly the role of some prophets and pastors. She suggested that certain religious teachings mislead communities and weaken cultural identity rather than strengthen it.
She further emphasized the importance of respecting women in both religious and national life, arguing that African spirituality and leadership systems should uplift women rather than marginalize them.
In a deeply symbolic reference, she stated her belief that the role of women in spiritual history is often underappreciated, adding that African societies must “restore dignity to the African woman as a pillar of creation and continuity.”
Gender, Leadership, and Cultural Restoration
A major theme in her remarks is the role of women in governance and traditional leadership structures. She argued that Zimbabwe’s leadership systems require stronger female participation, stating that women bring stability, wisdom, and cultural grounding to national decision-making.
She expressed the view that leadership spaces should not be dominated by what she described as “vanamujibha” attitudes, calling instead for “vakadzi vakasimba”—strong, grounded women who are connected to cultural heritage and ancestral wisdom.
Her comments have reopened a long-running national conversation: what does independence truly mean?
For Mambokadzi Arutura Musikavanhu, independence is not only political—it is cultural, spiritual, and symbolic. She argues that as long as colonial-era systems remain visible in state structures, questions will remain about how fully the liberation project has been completed.
Her critique challenges Zimbabweans to reconsider whether independence is measured only by governance and sovereignty, or also by the decolonisation of identity, institutions, and national symbols.
A Nation Still in Reflection
The debate she has sparked reflects broader tensions across many post-colonial African societies: between inherited systems and indigenous transformation, between modern state structures and cultural restoration, and between formal independence and perceived lived reality.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with her perspective, Mambokadzi Arutura Musikavanhu’s intervention forces a difficult but important question onto the national stage:
What should an independent Zimbabwe look like—not only in law and politics, but in identity, culture, and everyday symbolism?
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