Online Reporter
Nothando Zondo
On Monday and Tuesday, the Flame of Independence moved through the districts of Insiza and Umzingwane, drawing communities together in celebration.
People gathered in large numbers, dancing and rejoicing as they welcomed the symbolic flame that represents Zimbabwe’s enduring freedom.
The flame was accompanied by representatives from various Government departments and institutions, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the Office of the President and Cabinet, the Ministry of Women Affairs Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, IDAC, local councils, Agritex, and National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe.
Their presence highlighted the national importance of the event and its role in uniting citizens.
In Insiza, Mr Dube explained the significance of the Flame of Independence.
“The first Flame of Independence was lit in Harare by the President on April 17, 1980.
“It symbolised the dedication of our war veterans, the unity of Zimbabweans in fighting for their country, the unification of ZANLA and ZIPRA forces to form ZANU PF, the independence we enjoy today, and the peace our country continues to uphold”, he said.
Mr Dube also expressed appreciation for President Mnangagwa’s decision to bring this year’s commemorations to Matabeleland South Province.
“I am happy that the President decided that the 46th birthday of our country be celebrated in Matabeleland South, in Kezi, where the late former Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo was born in 1917 at St Joseph’s,” he added.
The commemorations also provided a platform for liberation war veterans and collaborators to share their personal experiences.
Mr Herbert Mpofu, a war collaborator, recounted the hardships faced during the liberation struggle.
“Whenever we wanted to drink water, we would first check if it had visible insects. If it did not, we suspected it was poisoned and avoided it. Sometimes we would watch baboons drinking the water first, and if they were unharmed, we would drink it too.”
Ms Beauty Moyo shared her memories of bravery during those difficult times.
“I was young when we would mislead Smith’s army about the whereabouts of our brothers, the liberation fighters. We would give them directions opposite to where the fighters actually were in order to protect them.
“One day, at Siwango Number 2, two people I was with were shot by Smith’s soldiers, and I survived. We were beaten with gun butts and had to roll in mud to disguise ourselves as we fled. It was a painful time, but I am glad that our struggles paid off,” she said.
Another war veteran, Mr Ernest Ncube, expressed pride and reflection upon seeing the Flame of Independence.
“I am a liberator, and I am proud to see the Flame of Independence because it reminds me that I fought for all tribes to live in peace. Independence came through great sacrifice.
“Some people were eaten by crocodiles while crossing rivers, and others were killed during the war. I was detained before joining others in the struggle for the next generation to enjoy freedom. Today, people own land and mines, which was impossible before independence. A Black person found with gold would have been killed for possessing it,” he said.
