Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU PF secretary for War Veterans Cde Douglas Mahiya says there is a need to preserve national heritage sites because they are vital for maintaining cultural identity, national unity, and historical continuity.
Speaking at a press conference today ahead of the National Heroes Day commemorations, Cde Mahiya said focus areas should be on safeguarding traditional values and upgrading liberation shrines.
“Heritage sites literally means that there are such sites whose cultural value is recognised nationally and historically,” he said.
“These sites are linked to the principles of the revolution and to the struggle for liberation.”
Cde Mahiya said all the stories linked to the heritage sites are tied to the liberation struggle.
“Our heritage sites include the Chinengundu Mashayamombe shrine, Sekuru Kaguvi, Sekuru Chaminuka and others, especially those from the First Chimurenga,” he said.
“We also have those who fought in the Second Chimurenga, and we must ensure that their graves are protected.”
Cde Mahiya said Chief Chinengundu Mashayamombe’s Njatara shrine played a very significant part in the First Chimurenga as a centre of resistance because of the importance of the Chief Chinengundu Mashayamombe – Gumboreshumba Kaguvi strategic alliance.
He noted that it was Sekuru Kaguvi who supplied the spiritual encouragement for Chiefs Mashayamombe, Chikwakwa, among others, to maintain their resistance against colonialism.
Cde Mahiya appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure those areas are safeguarded.
“We heard some reports that there are miners who are tampering with the heritage sites. This is uncalled for,” he said.
Cde Mahiya appealed to Zimbabweans to visit those shrines during Heroes Day commemorations as part of keeping the legacy of the country’s history.
He expressed gratitude to the Government under the leadership of President Mnangagwa for leading in exhumation efforts to accord decent burials for the comrades
“There is a need to provide proper reburials for freedom fighters who died during the liberation struggle, both in and outside the country,” Cde Mahiya said.
“We appreciate the efforts of state-led exhumations, the rehabilitation of mass graves in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, and the reburial ceremonies conducted at shrines and at the National Heroes.”
Meanwhile, among other liberation war shrines are the Kamungoma Liberation War Shrine in Gutu, the Matobo shrine, the 1979 Cross Jotsholo massacre in Matabeleland North Province, Chimoio and Nyadzonya massacres in Mozambique, the 1979 Ratanyana massacre in Matobo District, Matabeleland South, Matumba 6 Shrine near Old Mutare, the Chinhoyi Battle Shrine, among others.
