adminThe Herald, March 14, 1980
LADY Soames, the wife of the Governor, yesterday addressed assembled ZIPRA forces at the Assembly Point, Mike, near Lupane after they had been told by their commander that the Government had pledged assistance for those wishing to return to civilian life.
Lady Soames was visiting the field hospital in the camp when she was asked to speak to 900 men.
Conveying greetings from her husband she said: “Your country has suffered greatly, but now a brighter future lies in front of you all and everyone of you must work for this future in the best way that you can. Thank you for allowing me to come here and say a few words to you.”
The ZIPRA commander, General Dumiso Dabengwa, also told them that those who elected to remain in the new “integrated” army of Zimbabwe would be given leave to return to their families before undergoing further training.
Stressing that the “war of liberation” had been won and their former commander, Mr Joshua Nkomo, was now a member of the new Government, he said that “partisan politics” could play no part in the new army, which had to be apolitical.
Asking the men to “remain in the camp and exercise patience”, he assured them that steps were being taken to integrate them into the army by himself and the Commander of combined operations, Lieutenant General Peter Walls.
“As a first priority, the new Government has pledged assistance to give those of you who wish to return to your homes a new start. Financial assistance for both secondary and technical education will be available to you. You’ll be rewarded for having fought in the war of liberation.”
Dissident groups still outside the assembly points should be encouraged to “come inside”, for renegades had no part to play in the newly independent Zimbabwe.
The Assembly Point commander, Major Mike Wells of the Rhodesian Army, said that excellent relations existed between the security forces and 1 861 ZIPRA men.
New Zealand members of the Commonwealth Monitoring Force had been in charge of the camp until their recent withdrawal.
“We play a lot of football together and have formed a team. Volleyball is another popular sport, while we all watch films together most evenings, and the men have undergone a limited amount of joint training.”
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Beside every successful man is a woman. While Lord Soames was the Governor, his wife, Lady Soames ably assisted him by standing in for him at different foras.
Women can be courageous and resourceful. Lady Soames was able to make an impromptu address to 900 men, which can be a daunting task for many people, especially a woman.
Sport can be used as a unifier in conflict times. In this instance the New Zealand members of the Commonwealth Monitoring Force used sport to enhance their interaction and training of the liberation war fighters.
Online Reporter