Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka and Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Zimpapers Writers
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Day celebrations provided an opportunity to honour veterans of the liberation struggle, with recipients describing the recognition as a reminder of the sacrifices that secured Zimbabwe’s independence.
A total of 21 recipients from Bulawayo Province received medals at White City Stadium in Bulawayo. They are among 1 191 war veterans, ex-detainees, war collaborators and non-combatant cadres from Bulawayo recognised by President Mnangagwa for their contribution to the liberation struggle.
Some of the remaining recipients are expected to receive their medals at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex today.
Among those honoured was war veteran Cde Dryjean Esau Moyo, who said he was deeply humbled by the recognition.
“I am happy to be honoured and to receive this medal. It is one of the many medals I have received since 1980, but this recognition is special because it shows that the role we played during the liberation struggle is being recognised,” he said.
Cde Moyo said the recognition would also help educate younger generations about the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.
“I am happy that the President appreciates our efforts during the liberation struggle. This recognition will go a long way in inspiring future generations to understand and value the sacrifices made by those who fought for the liberation of the country,” he said.
Another recipient, war veteran Cde Charles Madumejah, described the honour as a source of pride after decades of service to the country.
Cde Madumejah joined the liberation struggle in 1977 and underwent military training in Libya in 1978 before returning to Zimbabwe.
“After coming back, I had a stint with the Ministry of Health and Child Care before joining the then Zimbabwe Prisons Service in 1988. I retired as a commissioned officer in 2013 and I am the secretary for security in the
Bulawayo Province War Veterans Association,” he said.
Cde Madumejah thanked President Mnangagwa and the Government for recognising the contribution of liberation war veterans.
“It has been a long journey and this recognition means a lot to me. I did not expect such recognition, but it is an honour to be here,” he said.
“I want to thank the Government and the President for recognising the role we played during the liberation struggle.”
Cde Madumejah said such recognition was important because it reminds the younger generation that the freedom being enjoyed today came through sacrifice.
“It should inspire them to value and protect the gains of the liberation struggle,” he said.
Cde Florine Tlou, another recipient, said she was delighted to finally receive recognition 46 years after returning from the liberation struggle.
“I left Zimbabwe in 1977 and went to Mkushi Camp in Zambia for training. After completing my training in 1978, four women, including myself, were selected for communications training,” she said.
Cde Tlou later worked in the office of the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo, where she was responsible for communications after receiving specialised training in the field.
“I returned to Zimbabwe in January 1980. I am happy that after 46 years I have finally received this medal. It makes me happy to know that my contribution has been recognised,” she said.
Although she did not join the army after returning home, Cde Tlou served in the public service under the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“I did not join the army after coming back home, but I served in the public service under the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Today, I have been honoured, and I am grateful that my contribution has not been forgotten,” she said.
For war collaborators, the recognition was also a reminder of the crucial role communities played in sustaining the liberation struggle by providing food, clothing, intelligence and other forms of support to fighters.
Cde Gertrude Moyo said her responsibilities included ensuring that liberation fighters were fed and had clean clothes.
“I was a war collaborator responsible for making sure that the comrades had eaten and that their clothes were clean. We also gathered information about the movements and whereabouts of enemy forces and passed it on to the liberation fighters,” she said.
Cde Moyo said war collaborators played an important, although often less visible role in the liberation struggle.
“We supported the comrades in whatever way we could. We made sure they had food, clothing and information that could assist them. Since 1980, I have remained loyal to the Government, and I am happy that the contribution of people like us is being recognised,” she said.
In Matabeleland South, Cde Wilson Dube from Gwanda said he was honoured to have contributed to the liberation of the country.
“I would like to appreciate this recognition which I have received from the Second Republic. After we came back from the war, some of us became non-combatants and we have been expecting this recognition,” he said.
“I’m glad that President Mnangagwa, who is our Commander-in-Chief, has rewarded us as he knows the work that we did. The President has said he will leave no one and no place behind, and I’m glad that he has embraced us as war collaborators and non-combatant cadres.”
Cde Abbie Ncube from Insiza District said she would continue to defend the country’s liberation legacy for as long as she lived.
She said the spirit of patriotism must also be instilled in young people, describing the honour bestowed on her as remarkable.
