Online Reporter
Livingstone Kazizi
Today, Zimbabweans gather to commemorate Heroes Day, a national holiday that honours the country’s liberation war heroes and heroines. The day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by thousands of gallant fighters who fought bravely to defeat the colonial regime, culminating in independence in 1980.
The First Chimurenga (1896-1897)
Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence began with the First Chimurenga, also known as the Matabeleland and Mashonaland rebellions which began in March 1896, led by among other iconic figures: Chiefs: Mukwati, Mashayamombe, Makoni Changaira and Mangwende; Lozikeyi Dlodlo the Ndebele Queen; military leaders: Mpotshwana Ndiweni, Mthini Mphoko Ndlovu, Dliso Mathema, Bhabhanya Masuku and spiritual figures such as Nehanda Nyakasikana, Sekuru Kaguvi, Muntuwani Dlodlo and Mavelani Khumalo. These military leaders and ancestral spirits of the land resisted British colonial rule, fighting against forced labour, land dispossession and taxation.
This First Chimurenga came two years after the Anglo-Ndebele war of 1893 when King Lobengula Khumalo, who was the head of the Ndebele state and commander in chief of the Ndebele army, Mtshana Khumalo and Gampu Sithole displayed significant bravery in fighting the colonialists.
The Second Chimurenga (1964-1979)
The Second Chimurenga, also known as the Rhodesian Bush War or Zimbabwe War of Liberation, was a protracted conflict that lasted over 15 years. Zimbabwean liberation fighters waged a guerrilla war against the white-minority government of Ian Smith.
Key Events
Battle of Sinoia 28 April 1966: The Seven Guerrillas and the Battle of Chinhoyi, a pivotal battle in which seven guerrilla fighters, namely David Guzuzu, Arthur Maramba, Christopher Chatambudza, Godwin Manyerenyere, Simon Chingozha, Godfrey Dube and Chubby Savanhu fought bravely against the Rhodesian forces. These seven brave men sparked the Second Chimurenga, the liberation war that ultimately led to Zimbabwe’s independence.
Chimoio Massacre (1977): A devastating bombing raid by the Rhodesian Air Force on the Mozambican town of Chimoio, where thousands of Zimbabwean refugees and liberation fighters were killed. The Chimoio base was responsible for training liberation fighters and housing refugees. The fallen heroes and heroins were buried in mass graves at the Chimoio shrine, which is current preserved as a heritage site by Zimbabwe.
Nyadzonya Raid (1976): A raid by the Rhodesian Security Forces on the Nyadzonya camp in Mozambique, resulting in the deaths of over 1 000 people, mostly Zimbabwean refugees. The fallen heroes and heroins are also buried in mass graves at Nyadzonya.
Bombing of fuel reserves in Salisbury 11 December 1978: A strategic operation conducted by liberation combatants at the Rhodesian fuel depot in Salisbury’s Southerton industrial area. The tactical attack caused wide-so-read destruction and significantly impacted Rhodesia’s fuel supply, demonstrating the liberation forces’ ability to strike at the heart of the colonial administration.
The role of ZANLA and ZIPRA combatants
Both ZANLA and ZIPRA combatants played crucial roles in the liberation struggle, employing guerrilla warfare tactics and mobilising support from rural communities. Their bravery and sacrifices ultimately led to the defeat of the colonial regime and the attainment of independence in 1980.
The Lancaster House Agreement 21 December 1979: It marked a significant turning point in Zimbabwe’s history. The agreement, brokered by the British government, brought together liberation fronts (ZANU and ZAPU) and the Rhodesian government to negotiate a transition to majority rule. The agreement paved way for elections in 1980, which led to Zimbabwe’s independence on 18 April 1980. It was through this agreement that black Zimbabweans were to possess land through a “willing buyer willing seller” approach. It is worth noting that this clause proved unworkable as the white farmers who owned majority of the land suitable for agriculture were not willing to sell the land. It is for this reason that the Government of Zimbabwe decided to enact the Land Acquisition Act (Chapter 20:10) May 2002, authorising compulsory acquisition of land to redress colonial land ownership imbalance.
The Unity Accord 1987: The peace agreement was reached between the late President Robert Mugabe representing the ZANU PF and Vice President Joshua Mkomo representing PF ZANU. The accord agreed to unite the two fronts into one formidable political party, ZANU PF.
Countries that supported the Liberation Struggle
The People’s Republic of China, supported the ZANU PF during the liberation struggle, providing military hardware and diplomatic support. China’s support was crucial in helping ZANU PF’s armed wing, Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), in their fight against the Rhodesian government. The continued support by China is a testament to the strong historical ties between Zimbabwe and China.
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics(USSR) played a significant role in supporting ZIPRA, the armed wing of Zimbabwe African People’s Union (PF ZAPU). They provided military training and equipment, enabling ZIPRA to employ guerrilla warfare tactics against the Rhodesian government. The Soviet Union’s continued support is also a testament to the strong historical ties between Zimbabwe and Russia.
Mozambique under the leadership of Cde Samora Machel of FRELIMO, as a Frontline state, played a critical role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. The country allowed ZANLA fighters to operate from its territory and provided significant support to the liberation movement. Mozambique also suffered heavily due to Rhodesian and South African incursions.
Tanzania, under the leadership of Julius Nyerere, was a strong supporter of the Zimbabwean liberation struggle. Although it did not share a border with Zimbabwe, Tanzania provided significant diplomatic and material support. The country was also home to the African Liberation Committee, which mobilised support for liberation movements across Africa.
Zambia under President Kenneth Kaunda was another crucial Frontline state that supported the Zimbabwean liberation struggle. The country allowed ZANU PF and PF ZAPU to operate from its territory and provided significant support to the liberation movement. Zambia also hosted the African Liberation Centre, where liberation movements had offices and received support.
These countries, along with others, played important roles in supporting Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, providing military, diplomatic, and humanitarian support that ultimately contributed to the country’s independence in 1980.
Commemoration, legacy and the future.
Heroes Day serves as a unifying force, reminding citizens of their shared history and collective destiny. As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with its past and strive towards a brighter future, honouring the sacrifices of these heroes and heroins remains crucial in shaping a more just and equitable society.
The legacy of the liberation struggle serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continued progress and development. As the country looks to the future, it is essential to draw inspiration from the bravery and sacrifice of its heroes and heroines, and to work towards a brighter future for all Zimbabweans.
In fulfilment of the land ownership aspirations of the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and upholding the ethos of the liberation struggle, President Mnangagwa, established the Land Tenure Implementation Committee. The committee strives to ensure that land ownership is secure and protected, particularly for those who were resettled under the land reform program through issuance of title deeds. It also ensures that farmers would be able to borrow money using their title deeds as collateral security. By so doing, redresses the colonial injustices of land dispossession and ownership. This would boost agricultural productivity and food security through land-based activities.
In his eulogy at the burial of national hero, Sydney Gata at the National Heroes’ Acre on 9 July 2025, President Mnangagwa noted that the country was to witness the emergence of a new breed of heroes encompassing trailblazers, innovators, inventors and thought leaders who will impact the nation, the region, the continent and the world as a whole. The country is built by its own people “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” “Ilizwe lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo”
Livingstone Kazizi is a post graduate researcher at University of Fort Hare Social and Economic Research. He is also a DPhil student at the University of Zimbabwe.
