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Runesu Gwidi in GUTU
Government will soon profile biographies of survivors of the heinous Rhodesian massacre at Kamungoma base in Gutu where 104 villagers and a freedom fighter were killed during a night vigil (pungwe) attack in 1978. Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema said the move was part of an ongoing enshrinement programme by Government to ensure the country’s liberation history was preserved for the benefit of future generations. The programme is being spearheaded by Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and is aimed at preserving the country’s history while also promoting domestic tourism.
The Kamungoma base massacre in May 1978 is one of the worst atrocities committed by Rhodesian forces during the Second Chimurenga and there are plans for the sad event to be captured by the National Archives.
Speaking during a tour of Kamungoma Base, which was recently upgraded by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), Cde Mathema highlighted Government plans to archive the history of all survivors of attacks by Rhodesian forces during the armed struggle.
Cde Mathema said a database comprising biographies of all victims of Rhodesian massacres would be archived at liberation war sites around the country.
“Government will soon identify all victims of Rhodesian attacks, interview them to take down biographies detailing how they were tormented during the war of liberation,” he said. “NMMZ is currently upgrading the sites in terms of water reticulation, roads, ablution and other infrastructure. “The purpose of visiting Kamungoma is to assess the progress in upgrading work by NMMZ and suggest areas that might need improvement so that the site meets domestic tourism standards.”
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Cde Ezra Chadzamira, who was part of the delegation that toured the site, said upgrading of the Kamungoma site was one of the key projects earmarked under Government’s Rapid Results Initiative.
He urged the NMMZ to speed up upgrading of the site in line with efforts by Government to grow the economy. “The NMMZ must expedite upgrading Kamungoma to promote domestic tourism in the spirit of devolution and Government efforts to speed up economic revival,” Cde Chadzamira said.
Online Reporter