Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
THE bold move to rename strategic national institutions, buildings and streets being done by the Second Republic is designed to memorialise and recognise Zimbabwe’s rich liberation history as well as prominent figures who helped shape it, President Mnangagwa has said.
He made the remarks in Harare yesterday at the renaming of Tomlinson Police Depot to Chimoio Camp Depot.
The President also commissioned four newly-built blocks of flats in the camp, a key milestone in the Second Republic’s efforts to improve living conditions for police officers.
The state-of-the-art residential complex, constructed for ZRP personnel, is set to ease accommodation challenges while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to supporting law enforcement.
The flats feature 96 housing units, and these will be allocated to junior police officers from the ranks of constable to inspector.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic took a deliberate decision to accelerate the name changes of many strategic national institutions, buildings and streets across the country.
President Mnangagwa delivers his keynote address at the newly renamed Chimoio Camp Depot and Heaquarters (formerly Tomlinson Depot) where he also officially opened residential flats for the police. — Picture: Edward Zvemisha.
“It is with great honour and a sense of pride that I join you at this momentous occasion, to officiate at this ceremony marking the unveiling of the new name of Tomlinson Depot,” he said.
“This cantonment area will now be called Chimoio Camp Depot. Today, we also witness the commissioning of residential flats, hereafter called the Chimoio Police Camp Flats.
“Colonialism saw the naming of places and institutions being used as a means of dispossession, both physically and psychologically, for asserting dominion over our land and us its rightful owners.”
In line with the national philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”, the President said his Government is also determined to foster a sense of unity and national pride by emphasising shared values and heritage.
“These name changes are an important tool for preserving our heritage; hence, we are ensuring that the choice of names always echoes the correct historical narratives of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“It is critically important, therefore that the naming of our institutions should reinforce who we are as Zimbabweans and Africans,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the background of the names should be frequently explained and serve as a reminder of the past, educating both present and future generations about the country’s history and diversity.
The renaming ceremony of the important facility in their security establishment, added President Mnangagwa, was coming after the name change of Morris Depot to Mkushi Police Academy.
“The heinous and atrocious events that took place during the First and Second Chimurenga/Umvukela and the personal sacrifices of many sons and daughters of Zimbabwe should never be taken for granted.
“Although some of the experiences evoke painful memories, they should rekindle our fortitude to always defend and safeguard the independence, freedom, unity and peace we now enjoy.
“The renaming of this depot to Chimoio Camp marks yet another milestone and step towards dismantling the remaining colonial ‘legacies’,” said President Mnangagwa.
The sacrifices made by the country’s gallant sons and daughters, including at Chimoio Camp, should inspire police officers to conduct their duties diligently, he added.
President Mnangagwa said through name changes of critical institutions and buildings, the Second Republic is giving the country “a truly Zimbabwean identity and memorialising the significance of Chimoio Camp in Mozambique, among other places, and incidents that connect us permanently to the liberation struggle”.
“In doing so, we are paying special tribute to our brothers and sisters in the Frontline States, both departed and living.
“They sacrificed their freedom and peace by sheltering us, providing food, camps to train and other requisite material resources. Zimbabwe shall always remain eternally indebted to them for these acts of solidarity and support.
“We also honour our sons and daughters who lost their lives in Mozambique, as well as our sister revolutionary party, Frelimo, the Government and people of Mozambique.
“To them we say, Muito Obrigado; Thank you. Aluta Continua,” he said.
The newly-constructed Chimoio Camp Depot residential flats that were commissioned by the President yesterday.
President Mnangagwa then said the need to revamp and strengthen the police’s construction units in all provinces must be urgently addressed.
He added that the Government remains mindful that besides the residential accommodation, the ZRP also requires resources to carry out their duties effectively.
“As such, resources will continue to be mobilised to capacitate the police to effectively deal with emerging challenges, which, among others, include transnational organised crimes, armed robberies and road traffic accidents.
“As we modernise and industrialise our economy, specialised police training and capacity-building programmes will continue to receive the necessary support. We are determined to equip our officers with the knowledge and skills to handle critical policing missions within and beyond our borders,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also commended the police for maintaining peace and security, saying their individual and collective roles, together with other national security agencies, continue to facilitate a conducive business operating environment.
“This is a fundamental necessity for investment, trade and the attainment of sustainable socio-economic development. Well done, congratulations.
“I thank all Zimbabweans for the support they render to the police service. Harbouring criminals and criminal activities in both rural and urban communities must be shunned. Emboldened by our development philosophy, let us take advantage of the peaceful and stable environment to work hard in every sector and contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” he said.
President Mnangagwa congratulated all partners, ministries, departments and agencies that took part in the construction of the police apartments.
He expects the four blocks of residential flats to go a long way in addressing the housing needs of the police service.
President Mnangagwa urged the beneficiaries to be responsible stewards and take good care of the apartments.
He said on its part, the police are called upon to diligently carry out regular repair and maintenance work on the facility and other institutional accommodation across the country.
The event was attended by a number of senior officials including Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Information, Publicity and Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tawengwa, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister, Zhemu Soda, and Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba.
Please give us better names for Allan Wilson, Lord Malvern, Prince Edward, Roosevelt, Churchill, Jameson, Louis Mountbatten, schools and others still in our educational systems.