Sundaymail Editor
CDE NELSON TAKAWIRA MAWEMA has a rich history that began in the late 1950s. His journey involved interactions with key figures of the country’s liberation struggle, including the late former President Robert Mugabe, Enos Nkala, Robert Marere and James Bassopo Moyo, as they battled to dismantle colonial rule. He was later detained alongside these political activists at Whawha detention camp. This week, he recounts his experiences as an activist, including the challenges he faced, to our Society Editor PRINCE MUSHAWEVATO and details his participation in the Geneva Conference talks.
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Q: Could you begin by introducing yourself and providing a brief background of yourself?
A: My name is Nelson Takawira Mawema. I was born on May 15, 1937 in Gutu. I am married to Memory and we have six children — three boys and three girls. I attended Tekwani High School, where I received my Cambridge certificate and later Fletcher High School, where I earned a senior business management and accountancy diploma. While detained at Whawha detention camp, I completed studies with the Chartered Institute of Management, CIS Parts One and Two and later obtained a BSc in Political Science Studies from Kim Il Sung University of Juche Idea and International Studies (DPRK).
Q: How were you introduced to African nationalism?
A: My involvement with African nationalism began in 1957, when the African National Congress (ANC) was banned. At the time, I was a student at Tekwani High School, where the late Dr Joshua Nkomo addressed us about the arrest of the ANC leadership. He emphasised the injustices prevalent in the country, which sparked my interest in the cause.
Subsequently, I joined the student political activist movement, alongside individuals like Khotsho Dube, Eddison Zvobgo and others. In 1960, I participated in the formation of the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a youth activist in Gweru. Alongside the late George Chinengundu, Elliot Nyoni and others, we organised a demonstration at Fletcher High School, which resulted in the school’s closure and our arrest. We were detained at Gweru Prison. At one point I served as the youth secretary of the NDP Gweru branch.
Q: You can carry on.
A: After the NDP was banned in December 1961, I moved to Harare and became involved in the formation of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), where I was elected treasurer of the Highfield branch. As youth activists, our focus was on organising anti- government protests and mass mobilisations. When the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) was formed in 1963, following the split of ZAPU, I participated in its formation and continued my role as treasurer of the Highfield branch.
I was later arrested alongside other leaders, including former President Robert Mugabe, Enos Nkala, Robert Marere and James Bassopo Moyo and we were detained at Whawha detention camp around 1964. The arrest was particularly violent, triggered by events that were not peaceful. We were transported to the detention centre by military helicopters, with our hands tightly bound by chains to the seats. Before my arrest, I was working as a sales manager at the Book Centre in Salisbury (now Harare). After my release in 1965, I returned to work but continued collaborating with the party leadership, whether they were imprisoned or in Mozambique. In 1972, during the Pearce Commission, we mobilised support for the “No” vote, working closely with the masses. In 1976, I had the privilege of attending the Geneva Conference, alongside a delegation from Mozambique, which included President Mugabe, Josiah Tongogara and others.
Q: What role did you play in the liberation struggle?
A: Throughout the liberation struggle, I maintained a leadership role, actively recruiting and mobilising the masses through various strategic efforts. These contributions earned me a seat at the Geneva Conference. After the conference, upon returning home, we played a key role in founding the People’s Movement in 1977. Shortly after, we (including Robert Marere, JB Moyo, Canaan Banana, Gwazo and others) were arrested and detained at Harare Prison and Whawha, where we continued to stand firm in our commitment to the cause.
Again, we witnessed the brutality of the colonial regime during this arrest. We were bundled and blindfolded before being placed in solitary confinement for 30 days at a location we did not know. We did not know where they had taken us to. For a month, we were placed in a room with only a blanket and we relieved ourselves in that same room, which was rarely cleaned.
Q: Could you describe your activities between 1968 and 1972?
A: Following my release in 1965, I returned to work at the Book Centre in Harare. During this time, I remained committed to the struggle, focusing on recruiting individuals to join our cause. Our strategy involved leveraging football clubs and church organisations to expand our reach and influence. These efforts were crucial in mobilising support for the “No” vote during the 1972 Pearce Commission.
Q: It has been reported that you were once a member of the Centre Party led by Pat Bashford. How true is it?
A: I categorically deny the claim that I was ever a member of the Centre Party led by Pat Bashford. This allegation appears to stem from individuals who have no direct connection to the liberation struggle and who may seek to further their own agendas through misinformation. My history, as outlined earlier, speaks for itself. I am grateful to be alive at this moment to defend my legacy with integrity and truth.
Q: Could you provide a brief overview of your experiences during and after independence?
A: Before independence, I endured significant injustices under the previous regime (Rhodesia), including the disruption of my education, multiple prison sentences, prolonged detentions under harsh conditions and forced separation from my family.
After independence, I had the opportunity to serve in various roles within the party and Government, as a Central Committee and Politburo member.
In Government, I worked as the Deputy Minister of Roads, Traffic, Posts and Telecommunications, contributing to the rebuilding of our nation. In 1987, I was appointed co-chairperson, together with the late George Marange of ZAPU, to head the Unity Accord between ZANU and ZAPU, which we executed successfully. I also chaired various boards, including Ziscosteel and the Traffic Safety Council, among others.
Q: Is there any additional information you wish to share pertaining to your contribution to the liberation struggle?
A: I was extremely surprised to read an article by Raymond Takavarasha, who was born in 1952, attempting to discredit my brother, Michael Mawema. Given that Takavarasha was just a child when my brother’s political career began, it is quite baffling that he would have anything to say on the matter (regarding allegations of betraying President Mnangagwa and the Crocodile Gang to the Rhodesians).
For the record, my brother Michael was the first president of the NDP and was instrumental in naming the country Zimbabwe. As for the accusations, to my knowledge, long after independence, President Mnangagwa and my brother continued to attend each other’s family functions as family until Michael’s passing in 2000. I had no knowledge of any of the actions he is now being accused of. Unfortunately, Michael is no longer here to defend himself.
Online Reporter