Vusumuzi Dube
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
Zezani Assembly Point in Beitbridge, officially known as Juliet Assembly Point, has been hailed as a symbol of peace and unity in Zimbabwe, which marked a significant milestone in the country’s liberation war heritage.
This historic site played a crucial role in the liberation war, serving as a gathering point for ZPRA and ZANLA forces under Commonwealth supervision.
In an interview, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, emphasised that Zezani Assembly Point laid the foundation for the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), showcasing the country’s journey towards unity and peace.
“As you have heard from the Zezani event where Vice President Chiwenga lit the Independence Flame to start the provincial road show, that if we talk of unity, it is at Zezani where ZPRA and ZANLA forces (together with Umkhonto Wesizwe from South Africa) before the Unity Accord met,” he said.
“This is the area where ZIPA operated from and there were no fights between ZPRA and ZANLA. These people are the ones who started to show unity by forming the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
“In other words, the ZNA came out from this Assembly Point. This on its own leaves a legacy and it’s something we cannot remove from our history. It will remain with us.”
The site has been developed into a liberation monument, featuring an independence flame stand, flag-posts, and an interpretive house.
Minister Nguluvhe said this legacy will remind future generations of Zimbabwe’s development and unity, putting Matabeleland South on the map.
He commended the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, and other stakeholders, for the meticulous planning, coordination, and dedication that has gone into monumentalising Zezani Assembly Point and organising the Independence Flame lighting ceremony that was presided over by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga last week.
“The collaboration we witnessed between Government ministries, provincial leadership, district structures, and traditional authorities clearly demonstrates the whole-of-Government and whole-of-society approach that continues to guide our national development trajectory,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“As we launch this Independence Flame, we also ignite a renewed sense of patriotism, unity, and responsibility among our citizens. This flame must inspire us not only to remember our past but also to actively shape our future. It calls upon each one of us to contribute meaningfully towards building a prosperous, inclusive, and industrialised Zimbabwe.
“The 46th Independence Anniversary is a significant milestone. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a nation, to celebrate our achievements, and to recommit ourselves to overcoming the challenges that lie ahead. Independence is not merely a historical event—it is a continuous journey that requires dedication, hard work, and unity from all citizens.”
The Zezani site is the only Assembly Point in the province and one of the 16 such centres countrywide. It is located at the old Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) campsite and is now being developed by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s closing chapter of the liberation struggle was decided at the Lancaster House Constitutional Conference between September 10 and December 15, 1979.
Described by many historians as the “Last Funeral Parlour” of the British Empire, it was at Lancaster House Conference that a decision was reached to establish what was to be called assembly points.
Assembly points were established as rendezvous to facilitate the demobilisation of thousands of freedom fighters.
The idea of assembly points was to ensure that freedom fighters registered their names, surrendered their weapons and recorded the serial numbers of their weapons with periodic checks being conducted by commanders of the Patriotic Front composed of ZANLA and ZPRA forces.
At the time, the Commonwealth forces provided 1 500 peacekeepers — 150 Australians, 22 Fijians, 50 Kenyans and 75 New Zealanders. Britain provided 800 soldiers with 300 coming from the Royal Force and a small contingent from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Online Reporter