Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
CHIMANIMANI made history by becoming the first district to host the first-ever devolved provincial independence celebrations which drew thousands to Nedziwa High School despite the chilly and rainy weather.
The massive turnout was a testament to the community’s enthusiasm for the event, which honoured the courageous and gallant daughters and sons of the soil who fought for the independence of this country from the colonial regime of the late Mr Ian Douglas Smith.
By hosting the celebrations, Chimanimani demonstrated its appreciation for being chosen as part of Government’s devolution agenda, aimed at decentralising services and events across the country.
The provincial Uhuru commemorations were also graced by a delegation from Mozambique.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, inspected the guard of honour, before delivering the Presidential speech.
The Secretary for State in Manica Province (Mozambique), Professor Lourenco Mateus Lindondo led the delegation from Mozambique, and applauded the long standing and cordial relationship between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
He said the relationship should be nurtured to remain intact for the advancement and development of the two sister republics.
“On behalf of the Government of Manica Province in Mozambique, I would like to express our sincerest congratulations to the Government of Zimbabwe, and the people of Manicaland on the occasion of the independence celebrations. We would like to thank Government authorities in Manicaland for inviting us to be part of this momentous occasion.
“Today, Zimbabwe celebrates 45 years of freedom as a people. The 45 years of independence are the result of long years of struggle to conquer the colonial regime. Therefore, this is the date that makes, not only Zimbabweans proud, but also the people of the Southern African region, especially Mozambique, with which it shares a common history of fighting for independence,” said Professor Lindondo.
He said independence is, not only a transfer of political power from the colonial masters to the indigenous Government, but also restoration of human dignity and means of production.
“As we celebrate the 45th Anniversary of independence, we remember with reverence the sacrifice made by the brave sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who fought tirelessly for their freedom from colonial rule. The courage of the freedom fighters constitutes a foundation upon which this great nation stands firm, and ensures the well-being of the Zimbabwean people.
“As Mozambicans, we identify with the history of Zimbabwe’s independence, as these are common stories linked beyond geographical borders that in a certain way divide the population that shares the same habits and cultures because of historical ties. During the liberation struggle, Mozambique, in particular the Province of Manica, opened its doors to welcome our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters who were fighting against the colonial regime.
“Thus, our land, Mozambique, became a rear base, not only for the freedom fighters, but also for the population seeking refuge, which further encouraged our ties of family.
‘‘Our forests provided shelter to the fighters, communities provided food, and finally Mozambique joined Zimbabwe in the pursuit of its dream – freedom,” he said.
Professor Lindondo added that the two countries must continue to collaborate and increase trade for economic growth and prosperity for their citizens.
“To this end, there are many factors that make us walk together, such as borders and roads, which facilitate trade, our rivers, which cross both regions, our cultures and our economies that are increasingly interconnected.
“We also reaffirm our deep commitment to continue to collaborate and partner closely with Manicaland Province in all areas of mutual interest which may be in agriculture, trade, cross-border infrastructure, energy, tourism, education and defence.
‘‘Peace and political, social stability are the fundamental foundations of the progress of nations. As neighbours, we must continue to work together to ensure security, combat cross border threats and promote regional integration, as envisioned by our leaders in the context of the SADC,” he said.
Chimanimani West legislator, Honourable Wilson Maphosa hailed the Second Republic for decentralising national events saying this will revoke the spirit of patriotism among the people.
“We want to thank Government for decentralising national events so that all citizens are afforded an opportunity to participate.
‘‘We are grateful to the Second Republic for the developmental projects being spearheaded in the district, improving the people’s lives,” he said.
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