Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Deputy National Editor
From Chimoio in Mozambique to Nampundwe in Zambia, liberation war shrines that bear testimony to Zimbabwe’s arduous journey to independence are undergoing extensive rehabilitation and upgrading to reflect the enormity of the sacrifices made.
The development comes as the country prepares for the 46th Heroes Day commemorations next Monday.
In written responses, Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi said considerable progress had been made in restoring key liberation war sites across the region. He noted that the Second Republic had prioritised the preservation of liberation heritage sites as part of a broader effort to protect and promote the country’s history.
“Following my regional visits to countries such as Zambia and Mozambique last year to assess the state of our liberation struggle shrines, I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made towards the rehabilitation and improvement of these sites,” he said.
“Through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the Government has stepped up rehabilitation, upgrading and preservation works at these historical sites.
“This ongoing process ensures that the sacred resting places of our heroes and heroines properly reflect their immense sacrifices and are preserved as enduring monuments of our shared regional history.”
VP Mohadi said extensive work had already been completed at a number of liberation war sites in Zambia and Mozambique, countries that provided sanctuary to Zimbabwean freedom fighters during the liberation struggle.
“Tremendous work has been done in Zambia, at Freedom Camp, Nampundwe, Mkushi, Kavalamanja and St Mary’s Cemetery. In Mozambique, work has been done at Changara 1 and 2, Chibavava, Espungabeira and Chimoio, among other shrines.”
Government’s intervention has gone beyond preserving historical sites to also providing amenities to communities around them, in appreciation of the hardships they endured “for hosting us.”
The programme reflects Government’s commitment to ensuring that no liberation war hero or heroine is forgotten, regardless of where they were buried. VP Mohadi added that attention would also be extended to liberation heritage sites in Angola, another country that played a significant role in supporting Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“Sites in Angola, such as Boma, will be attended to. As we move forward, we shall continue working closely with our sister republics in the region to safeguard these invaluable liberation heritage sites for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
The rehabilitation of liberation war shrines forms part of ongoing efforts by the Second Republic to preserve the country’s liberation legacy and ensure younger generations understand the sacrifices made to secure independence.
The shrines are regarded as important historical landmarks that chronicle the country’s liberation struggle and the solidarity shown by neighbouring countries that hosted freedom fighters and refugee camps during the war.
VP Mohadi emphasised that Government remains committed to ensuring that all those who contributed to the liberation struggle receive appropriate recognition.
He noted that the struggle was won through the collective efforts of combatants, war collaborators, political mobilisers, traditional leaders, spirit mediums and ordinary citizens who supported the cause in various ways.
Through the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Government is conducting nationwide verification and mop-up vetting exercises targeting war collaborators and non-combatant cadres to ensure deserving individuals are recognised under the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act.
“As we go into the Heroes and Defence Forces Day celebrations, Independence medals will be issued to our veterans of the liberation struggle,” said VP Mohadi.
He added that this year’s commemorations, running under the theme “Lest We Forget”, provide an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes and heroines while recommitting themselves to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
“The greatest tribute we can pay them is not only to remember their sacrifice, but also to build the peaceful, united, prosperous and sovereign nation for which they fought.”
VP Mohadi said preserving liberation heritage sites and recognising all liberation struggle participants remained central to ensuring Zimbabwe’s history is protected and passed on to future generations.
