Online Reporter
Ray Bande and Lloyd Makonya
GOVERNMENT has embarked on a major renovation project at the Chimoio Liberation War Shrine in Manica, Mozambique — the largest war monument in the Frontline States — where remains of at least 1 200 fallen freedom fighters lie in mass graves.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is upgrading facilities at the Chimoio Shrine, including installing a 19mx12m structure to provide shade and shelter for guests; constructing two modern two-bedroomed houses to accommodate site staff, and modern ablution block (12 holes) for improved sanitation; installing a 6kVA solar system to power the borehole, houses and light the site.
There will also be a new perimeter fence to secure the premises, and a water reticulation system that includes a community water point for locals.
The renovation works are expected to be completed by mid-next month, heralding a new chapter in preserving the country’s liberation history.
Government, through the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), has also made significant progress in researching, documenting, presenting, and conserving the Zimbabwe Liberation War Heritage (ZLWH) sites in other Frontline States.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, on Monday led the ground-breaking ceremony at the site to officially launch the rehabilitation project.
Ambassador Matemadanda was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Lotteries and Gaming Board, NMMZ, War Veterans League in Manicaland, as well as traditional leaders from Chimoio.
Ambassador Matemadanda hailed President Mnangagwa for fulfilling his pledge to restore and preserve liberation war heritage sites outside Zimbabwe’s borders.
“This rehabilitation project demonstrates our Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the memory of our freedom fighters. It is about giving due respect to the sacrifices of thousands of gallant sons and daughters who laid down their lives for our independence,” said Ambassador Matemadanda.
NMMZ eastern region director, Dr Paul Mupira said the enhancement of social amenities around the liberation war sites seeks to bolster security and protection of the shrines.
“The expected outcomes of the Chimoio renovations include enhanced comfort and convenience for visitors, as well as improved welfare and working conditions for site custodians. We also anticipate to the surrounding community will foster stronger relations between the governments of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and local communities.
Furthermore, improved sanitation facilities for guests and staff are expected,” said Dr Mupira.
He explained that the initiative aims to honour the sacrifices of liberation war veterans, affording them the respect and dignity they deserve.
“The restoration of dignity to liberation war veterans is a key aspect of this project. By maintaining a well-preserved heritage site, we can better honour their sacrifices,” he said, highlighting potential economic benefits of the initiative that could boost heritage tourism and contribute to local economic activity. The upgraded shrine will reinforce its symbolic value as a site for remembrance, reflection, and national pride.
“This also dovetails into reinforcement of the site’s symbolic value as a place of remembrance, reflection and national pride. The upgrading of the shrine is being sponsored by the Lotteries and Gaming Board under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, in partnership with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe,” said Dr Mupira.
War Veterans League secretary for gender, historical affairs and heritage, Cde Gift Kagweda, expressed gratitude on behalf of former freedom fighters, adding that such recognition was long overdue.
“As war veterans, we are overjoyed by this initiative. The Chimoio Shrine is more than just a place — it is a powerful symbol of sacrifice and resilience.
The Government’s efforts to facelift it are a source of pride for us and future generations,” he said.
The latest developments follow Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s recent visit to liberation war shrines in Angola, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique.
VP Mohadi highlighted during his recent visit to the site that the renovations were overdue. “I believe the renovations are long overdue. We must enhance the surroundings of these significant areas, as they hold great importance for us. The cadres laid to rest here must know that we stand with them in spirit, and we are committed to fulfilling the political and economic changes they sacrificed their lives for,” said VP Mohadi.
He also emphasised the importance of utilising funds generated from betting and gaming houses to improve the state of these historic sites.
Zimbabwe’s liberation war was to a significant extent assisted and sustained by neighbouring countries — a coalition of neighbouring nations named the Frontline States — where the brutal colonial regime launched sporadic ruthless aerial and ground force attacks, killing freedom fighters in masses; thus leaving behind liberation war heritage sites that exist in those countries to date.
The Frontline States, formed in the 1970s, comprised African countries bordering or near South Africa and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), united in their support for ending apartheid and minority white rule.
Member states included Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — which provided liberation movements with political, military, and logistical support, offered asylum to exiles, and exerted diplomatic pressure on white-minority governments.
