Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
EIGHT men from Hurungwe walked nearly 90 kilometres from Karoi to Chinhoyi over two days in a moving tribute to the Chinhoyi Seven, who were killed 60 years ago after firing the first shots of the Second Chimurenga.
The group arrived in Chinhoyi on Saturday after retracing part of the route taken by the seven liberation heroes, who confronted Rhodesian security forces at the Hunyani River on April 28, 1966.
The marchers were Cdes Koga Muchandisye, Peter Chikomo, Venancio Nduku, Choud Manhovo, Zvondai Saraoga, Tapaziva Dzokamushure, Willard Chaimvura and Ian Nyachotowe.
They said the initiative was meant to honour the sacrifices of Cdes Simon Chingozha, Christopher Chatambudza, Manyerenyere, David Guzuzu, Arthur Maramba, Godfrey Dube and Chubby Sawana, whose resistance marked a major turning point in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The seven were conferred with national hero status in 2017. Group leader Cde Koga Muchandisye said this morning that they deliberately chose to walk the route as a way of physically retracing the journey of the fallen heroes while commemorating their contribution to the country’s liberation.
“In honour of the Chinhoyi Seven who fired the first shots of the Second Chimurenga on April 28, 1966, we decided to walk about 88 kilometres, part of the distance they travelled, to remember them this Heroes’ holiday,” he said.
“We are also walking to reaffirm unity from Hurungwe to the nation.”
The marchers also expressed support for Vision 2030 and Constitutional Amendment No. 3.
CCC interim national youth chairman Mr Tichaona Mungwariri, who hails from Karoi, commended the group for dedicating their time and energy to honouring Zimbabwe’s fallen heroes.
Speaking to Zimpapers, Mr Mungwariri said the sacrifices of liberation heroes should inspire present-day leaders to promote peace, dialogue and servant leadership.
He paid tribute to First Chimurenga icons Sekuru Kaguvi and Mbuya Nehanda, as well as thousands of freedom fighters and civilians who died during the Second Chimurenga.
“Independence was not gifted; it was earned at a costly price,” he said.
Mr Mungwariri said the best way to honour the country’s heroes was through action, including protecting national sovereignty, defending citizens’ freedoms and putting national interests above political interests.
“The best way to honour you is not just with words, but with action. Let us protect our sovereignty. Let us defend our freedoms. Let us build a Zimbabwe where dialogue delivers and where service comes before self,” he said.
He urged Zimbabweans to ensure that the sacrifices of those who died for the country were not in vain by working towards a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
EIGHT men from Hurungwe walked nearly 90 kilometres from Karoi to Chinhoyi over two days in a moving tribute to the Chinhoyi Seven, who were killed 60 years ago after firing the first shots of the Second Chimurenga.
The group arrived in Chinhoyi on Saturday after retracing part of the route taken by the seven liberation heroes, who confronted Rhodesian security forces at the Hunyani River on April 28, 1966.
The marchers were Cdes Koga Muchandisye, Peter Chikomo, Venancio Nduku, Choud Manhovo, Zvondai Saraoga, Tapaziva Dzokamushure, Willard Chaimvura and Ian Nyachotowe.
They said the initiative was meant to honour the sacrifices of Cdes Simon Chingozha, Christopher Chatambudza, Manyerenyere, David Guzuzu, Arthur Maramba, Godfrey Dube and Chubby Sawana, whose resistance marked a major turning point in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The seven were conferred with national hero status in 2017. Group leader Cde Koga Muchandisye said this morning that they deliberately chose to walk the route as a way of physically retracing the journey of the fallen heroes while commemorating their contribution to the country’s liberation.
“In honour of the Chinhoyi Seven who fired the first shots of the Second Chimurenga on April 28, 1966, we decided to walk about 88 kilometres, part of the distance they travelled, to remember them this Heroes’ holiday,” he said.
“We are also walking to reaffirm unity from Hurungwe to the nation.”
The marchers also expressed support for Vision 2030 and Constitutional Amendment No. 3.
CCC interim national youth chairman Mr Tichaona Mungwariri, who hails from Karoi, commended the group for dedicating their time and energy to honouring Zimbabwe’s fallen heroes.
Speaking to Zimpapers, Mr Mungwariri said the sacrifices of liberation heroes should inspire present-day leaders to promote peace, dialogue and servant leadership.
He paid tribute to First Chimurenga icons Sekuru Kaguvi and Mbuya Nehanda, as well as thousands of freedom fighters and civilians who died during the Second Chimurenga.
“Independence was not gifted; it was earned at a costly price,” he said.
Mr Mungwariri said the best way to honour the country’s heroes was through action, including protecting national sovereignty, defending citizens’ freedoms and putting national interests above political interests.
“The best way to honour you is not just with words, but with action. Let us protect our sovereignty. Let us defend our freedoms. Let us build a Zimbabwe where dialogue delivers and where service comes before self,” he said.
He urged Zimbabweans to ensure that the sacrifices of those who died for the country were not in vain by working towards a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
