In today's edition of The Discourse, Zimbabwe is set to mark its 46th Independence anniversary on Saturday, at a time of economic strain and renewed political debate over governance and development. While the government points to infrastructure projects and its decentralisation drive as signs of progress, critics say many citizens continue to feel left behind amid rising living costs and unemployment. In Matobo District, where this year's national celebrations will be held, questions persist about the balance between symbolism and substance in Zimbabwe's development agenda - and what Independence means for ordinary people today. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Professor Ibbo Mandaza - Zimbabwean political analyst, academic, author, and Executive Chairman of the Southern African Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust - to unpack the country's political trajectory, the state of its economy, and the meaning of Independence nearly five decades on.

<p>In today's edition of The Discourse, Zimbabwe is set to mark its 46th Independence anniversary on Saturday, at a time of economic strain and renewed political debate over governance and development. While the government points to infrastructure projects and its decentralisation drive as signs of progress, critics say many citizens continue to feel left behind amid rising living costs and unemployment. In Matobo District, where this year's national celebrations will be held, questions persist about the balance between symbolism and substance in Zimbabwe's development agenda - and what Independence means for ordinary people today. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Professor Ibbo Mandaza - Zimbabwean political analyst, academic, author, and Executive Chairman of the Southern African Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust - to unpack the country's political trajectory, the state of its economy, and the meaning of Independence nearly five decades on.</p>