Online Reporter
Nduduzo Tshuma in Johannesburg, South Africa
FORMER Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano was on Friday night honoured for his outstanding leadership and immense contribution to the liberation of the African continent.
The recognition came during a gala dinner hosted by South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), which is chairing the ongoing Liberation Movements Summit. President Chissano was presented with a portrait in appreciation of his pivotal role in Africa’s freedom struggles. The dinner also marked the official opening of the summit.
Liberation movements from across Southern Africa, including the ANC, Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF, Mozambique’s FRELIMO, Namibia’s SWAPO, Angola’s MPLA and Tanzania’s CCM, are gathered in here to reflect on their shared histories, strengthen political and ideological unity, and map a collective way forward.
Held under the theme “Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa”, the summit will culminate on Sunday with a high-level meeting of party leaders.
President Chissano received the honorary gift following his keynote address at the dinner, which ran under the banner “Wisdom of the Ages.”
The Zimbabwean delegation at the dinner was led by ZANU-PF Secretary-General Dr Obert Mpofu.
In his speech, President Chissano reminded delegates of the sacrifices that shaped the region’s shared journey to independence and development.
President Chissano also paid special tribute to former South African President Thabo Mbeki, lauding his strategic vision and unwavering commitment to Africa’s development. He described President Mbeki’s leadership as “an inexhaustible source of inspiration” for the continent.
ANC Deputy President Cde Paul Mashatile urged delegates to reflect deeply on the responsibilities of liberation movements in the present era.
ANC Secretary-General Cde Fikile Mbalula echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of unity, ideological clarity, and collective action in defending the hard-won gains of liberation.
