On the eve of the of the 30th anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence, Andriata Chironda, the reigning Miss AfriCanada, has issued a statement congratulating Zimbabweans in Canada. Chironda, said Independence occasion is a celebration of not only the those who fought for Zimbabwe but "those who continue to strive for a better Zimbabwe."

The following is the full statement releases by Andriata Chironda.

Happy 30th Birthday ZIMBABWE !

30 years ago, on the 18th of April, a people rejoiced at the birth of a new nation. Much blood had been spilt and the people were ready for a new day. Today, we can reflect on our past, our present and aspirations for the future.

In celebrating Zimbabwe 's Independence Day we celebrate those gallant young men and women who gave up their youth, their lives and comforts to fight racial oppression, colonial dictatorship and inequality in all its forms. We celebrate the bravery of mothers, grandmothers, fathers and grandfathers who gave up their resources and off-spring to a just cause. We celebrate those who continue to strive for a better Zimbabwe . We celebrate ourselves-- our individual and collective triumphs against daily adversity.

Today, " Zimbabwe" exists both in and outside of the motherland's borders. Injustice, as we all know, abounds in many forms and we must continue to fight and denounce it whenever and wherever it rears its head, just as our fore-bearers did before us. It is our duty as Zimbabweans and conscionable human beings.

Millions of us are scattered across the oceans, have made homes in various corners of the world and assumed other identities. However, wherever we may be and whatever else we may have become we ARE " Zimbabwe "!

My sincerest Congratulations to my fellow country-men and all Friends of Zimbabwe on this our nation's 30th Birthday!

Best Regards,
Andriata Chironda (Miss Afri-Canada)