Harare, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – As Zimbabwe approaches its 45th independence anniversary on April 18th, 2025, a powerful voice from the Zimbabwean and Princess of Harare has issued a passionate call for a deeper, more meaningful liberation. Princess Eugene Majuru delivered a scathing critique of the nation’s continued reliance on colonial legacies and urged Zimbabweans to take decisive action to forge a truly independent future.
In a strongly worded statement, the Princess asserted that Zimbabwe’s independence remains incomplete, highlighting the enduring influence of the colonial-era constitution. “Zimbabwe turns 45 tomorrow, yet we still use the Constitution drafted by the same people who colonised and destroyed our lifestyle,” she stated. While acknowledging the 2013 amendments, she argued that significant sections of the document continue to “suppress Zimbabweans.”
A key area of concern raised by the Princess was the diminished role of traditional leaders. “The traditional leaders act stripped the chiefs of their power, they are left as useless, unvalued people, they are struggling as we speak. They were even stripped of their titles. From Kings to Chiefs, today we still call them Chiefs, they still wear the helmets they were clothed in by the colonialists, the gowns, unbefitting for royal gear.” This symbolic retention of colonial attire, she argued, reflects a deeper issue of lingering colonial influence on Zimbabwean identity.
The Princess lamented the erosion of Zimbabwean culture and traditions, warning that “the little that’s left is fast being eroded away.” She stressed the urgent need for a “massive decolonisation exercise” to address the “colonised minds” of many Zimbabweans and revitalize their heritage.
A particularly sensitive point raised was the continued burial of Cecil John Rhodes and his associates at Matopos, a site considered sacred by many Zimbabweans. “The body of Cecil John Rhodes and his friends are all still buried at Matopos, our very own sacred place, and we still can’t remove them,” she exclaimed, expressing dismay that “it appears the Zimbabwean people expect the former colonisers to come and remove Rhodes from Matopos.” She urged Zimbabweans to take ownership of this issue and reclaim their sacred spaces.
The Princess also voiced strong concerns about contemporary economic practices, warning against new forms of exploitation. “We accept people coming to the country under the pretext of partnerships and development, yet they loot our minerals and are slowly finding ways to come back with neo-colonialism. Are we going to allow that to happen? We will again lose the land our forefathers died fighting for? That can never happen.” She specifically mentioned the ongoing struggle of the Mbari clan, the royal family of Harare, to reclaim their ancestral land.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s economic vulnerabilities, the Princess criticized the nation’s heavy reliance on imports and lack of domestic manufacturing. “Zimbabweans have become heavily reliant on imports that they don’t manufacture anything. They now believe everything from Europe is good or is the best. Money goes out importing things, yet they don’t export much.” Despite Zimbabwe’s vast natural resources, including “74 types of minerals,” she pointed to the stark reality of basic necessities lacking in the country, stating, “we can’t even have tablets in the hospitals, we are failing the very basics.”
In her concluding remarks, the Princess reiterated her central message: “It’s time to wake up, Zimbabwe.” Her impassioned plea serves as a powerful reminder that true independence requires not only political sovereignty but also a conscious effort to dismantle the enduring legacies of colonialism in all aspects of national life – from its foundational legal structures to its cultural identity and economic practices. As Zimbabwe marks its 45th year of independence, this voice urges a critical reflection and a renewed commitment to building a truly liberated future for all its citizens.
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