Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure in MAPHISA, Matabeleland South
THE 46th Independence Day celebrations were marked by funfair as they brought families together to remember the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe’s gallant sons and daughters to liberate the country from the yoke of colonial bondage.
Yesterday, President Mnangagwa, who was accompanied by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, presided over commemorations at the main event in Maphisa, Matabeleland South province, which was well-attended.
In an interview, the First Lady said Independence Day celebrations play a critical role in strengthening unity among Zimbabweans, saying such occasions “bring families together” and help people remember that “no matter where you live, we are all Zimbabweans”.
The mother of the nation said independence should also serve as a reminder to Zimbabweans that they have a duty to defend the country and preserve the legacy of the liberation struggle.
“They also remind us that we must protect what was fought for in our country. Wherever you are, you must safeguard our nation.”
The First Lady said Zimbabweans must honour the sacrifices made by ensuring they value and protect their independence.
She stressed the importance of teaching young people about the sacrifices made during the struggle for freedom, saying children must understand that their lives were made possible through pain and sacrifice.
“Our children must know that the life they are living today was made possible by people who shed their blood, cried and sweated. So those children must be strongly reminded, because if we adults do not teach them, our children will lose their way,” she said.
The First Lady expressed concern over rising drug and substance abuse among youths, saying: “You can see what is happening these days. Our children are taking drugs and harmful substances and forgetting who they are.”
Dr Mnangagwa also paid tribute to women who played a role in Zimbabwe’s liberation, saying mothers are often viewed as pillars of families, yet many women gave their lives so that Zimbabweans could enjoy independence and self-rule.
“As women, we are proud of our heroines. There were women who chose to sacrifice themselves and die for this country. Some of them we never saw, some we do not even know, yet they died for this nation.”
Dr Mnangagwa also saluted all liberation heroes and heroines, acknowledging the contribution of families across the country.
“We thank all the boys and girls, our fathers and mothers, our sisters, our aunts, our grandmothers and grandfathers who died so that we could gain our freedom, true independence,” she said.
The First Lady urged Zimbabweans not to forget their roots, warning against individuals and forces she described as deceivers seeking to mislead the nation.
Separately, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga highlighted the need to support the decentralisation of Independence Day celebrations in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“We are happy that we are here in Matabeleland South province celebrating the 46th Independence Day. This is a time of celebrating the sacrifices by sons and daughters of our beloved country. It was not an easy journey but a matter of sacrifice,” said VP Chiwenga.
He challenged the youth to defend the legacy left by the liberation war fighters and grab available opportunities to develop their country.
“We played our part; hence they also need to develop their country and raise the flag high. There is no other country which they call home,” he said.
The young generation, he added, should tap abundant resources and good climatic conditions to develop their country.
Vice President Kembo Mohadi called for unity of purpose among Zimbabweans. He said there are many distinguished sons and daughters of the soil who dedicated their lives towards the liberation of Zimbabwe.
“It is now the duty of the young generation to keep the legacy of their war heroes and heroines. Most of those who liberated Zimbabwe did not enjoy their youth.
“They left the country through various getaways to join the liberation struggle and fought colonial rule, which brought about our independence,” said VP Mohadi.
Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasised the need to respect the sacrifices made to bring the country’s independence.
“We fought the liberation struggle to fight the colonial regime. Now it’s time to put more effort towards the development of our country. We introduced a five-year plan, National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), and now we are accelerating NDS2 to ensure we realise Vision 2030,” she said.
She challenged the youth to guard their country jealously and shun drug and substance abuse.
December 12 Movement chairperson Cde Omowell Clay, who attended the main celebrations in Maphisa, commended President Mnangagwa for maintaining the country’s peace and stability.
“It is highly commendable to cherish the sacrifice made by the sons and daughters of this country to attain the independence we are witnessing today. May God bless Zimbabwe,” he said.
