tawandamusarurwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
GOVERNMENT is set to declare Altena Farm in Centenary, Mashonaland Central province, a national monument in recognition of its significance to the country’s liberation history.
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) has already facilitated the nomination for declaration of Altena Farm as a national monument in terms of the NMMZ Act, which will be done after promulgation of a special gazette.
It was at Altena Farm that the second and most decisive phase of the Second Chimurenga was launched, when a small group of liberation fighters attacked the place.
National monuments are protected areas of national significance that depict a variety of cultural, historical and natural phenomena that embody the history of Zimbabwe.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Permanent Secretary Dr Gerald Gwinji said: “National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe heeded His Excellency the President’s call for the declaration of Altena Farm as a national monument.
“The Altena Farm attack in December 1972 really was the second spark of the Second Chimurenga, after the Chinhoyi battle of 1966.
“Altena announced the resumption of the armed struggle.
“It sparked the war that ultimately culminated in the attainment of independence.
“It is, therefore, a very significant place in the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“For that reason, the nomination process for the declaration of Altena as a national monument has been done.
“NMMZ now only awaits its gazetting, which process is underway.”
Writing for this publication recently, President Mnangagwa said the farm was of significant importance to the country’s liberation heritage.
“Altena Farm deserves to be declared a national site and monument so we develop it as a fitting reminder of where the decisive phase of our struggle began,” he said.
“Current and future generations must know, through Altena and more such landmarks which this province (Mashonaland Central) carries, the heroic sacrifices of a brave generation which brought us independence.”
Mashonaland Central will host this year’s main Independence Day celebrations.
Online Reporter