tawandamusarurwa
Wallace Ruzvidzo and Fungai Lupande
WAR veterans, some of whom were in the trenches in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central, feel honoured by the decision made by the Second Republic to hold this year’s main independence celebrations in the area where they say “it all began”.
Zimbabwe will celebrate its 43rd independence anniversary under the theme “Zimbabwe@43: Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo”, which aptly describes the country’s current growth trajectory.
Cde Chrispen Tapfuma Mataire, who resides in Mazowe and fought the 1972 battle in Mt Darwin, said it was only fitting that the commemorations be held in the area.
“We are very grateful to the Second Republic for according us the honour to host such celebrations.
“I want to say thank you to President Mnangagwa for this recognition,” he said.
Cde Mataire, whose Chimurenga name was Cde David Todhlana, chronicled the significance of the Mt Darwin battle.
“There was the 1966 battle of Chinhoyi, which is much talked about, but, in my view, it was not as big as the one that ensued in Mt Darwin in 1972. That was a real and well-organised war, which then spread across the country. I was in the frontline as one of the commanders on that day, November 11, 1972,” he vividly recalls.
Mt Darwin district war veterans’ chairperson Cde Andrew Chikuhwa, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Murombomuka, said: “This is where the first shots of the Second Chimurenga were fired in the early 1970s. Many battles were fought here and the major contribution to the liberation was done here.
“Many freedom fighters passed through Mt Darwin. We are happy that the President and his Cabinet honoured us while we are still alive.”
He also said preparations for Independence Day have brought development in the area.
“Our district heroes’ acres needed a facelift and we are happy that this event has brought attention to these areas.
This is our opportunity to meet the President, encourage him and tell him about our grievances.”
Cde Chikukwa said, in addition to the Chibondo area, which has been much publicised, there are also other mass graves in Mukumbura and Mukaradzi, which are all in Mt Darwin district.
“At the summit of Mount Pfura, there is a huge hole, where Rhodesian forces threw freedom fighters.
“They brought them hanging on helicopters or in nets and burnt them down using paraffin.”
ZANU PF War Veterans League Secretary for Administration Cde Richard Chirongwe, who is a farmer in Concession, said citizens from the province are excited about being recognised by the country’s leadership.
“This is very important because the liberation struggle started around the Mashonaland Central area in Mt Darwin and we see it as a very significant development. The people are very happy because they see that they are being recognised,” he said.
Cde Chirongwe, whose nom de guerre was Jujuman Maurayabhunu, said Zimbabwe’s independence did not come on a silver platter but was a result of great sacrifices by gallant sons and daughters of the soil.
“It came following the death and sacrifices of a lot of heroes and heroines, so we see this day as a very significant day,” he said.
Another war veteran, Cde Remi Toendepi Matangira, who is also a prominent farmer in Bindura, the capital of Mashonaland Central, said hosting of the celebrations in Mt Darwin is testament that the Second Republic holds the country’s history in high regard.
“This shows that we have been remembered. It is the same as seeing Cde Josiah Tongogara coming to celebrate Independence Day with us here in Mash Central because this is where the struggle was fought,” he said.
Online Reporter