Bongani Ndlovu
Nqobile Bhebhe in Ratanyana, Maphisa
A solemn atmosphere enveloped Ratanyana in Matabeleland South on Friday as Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi led a day of national significance marked by both remembrance and development, unveiling a monument in honour of four children and 10 ZIPRA cadres killed by Rhodesian forces during the liberation struggle, before later commissioning a new clinic in the area.
Hundreds of villagers, war veterans and Government officials gathered at the historic Ratanyana site where the monument was unveiled on the eve of the 46th Independence Day commemorations, in a ceremony that reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to preserving the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
The monument commemorates the four children — Nokuthula Ndlovu, Thandekile Moyo, Sixoliso Dube and Mqalisi Ndlovu — who were caught up in fighting while in their family field and were summarily killed by Rhodesian forces during the height of the battle. It also honours 10 ZIPRA cadres who fell during a fierce confrontation at the same site.
The Ratanyana massacre remains one of the painful chapters of the liberation struggle, symbolising both the brutality of the Rhodesian regime and the resilience of liberation fighters.
Historic accounts indicate that ZIPRA’s Southern Front 3 regional commander, Cde Adam Dube (Cde Mphini), and his escort section were cornered at the site, triggering a protracted battle that lasted from around 9am until after 4pm. Reports say Rhodesian forces, frustrated after losing a helicopter during the confrontation, later turned their fire on civilians in the area.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Mohadi said the monument was not merely a physical structure, but a sacred national symbol of remembrance, unity and gratitude.
“Let this Ratanyana Memorial centre stand as a lasting symbol of our resilience, unity and commitment to leave no one and no place behind,” he said. “Let us build a Zimbabwe that reflects the values of our liberation struggle, a nation that is peaceful, prosperous and united.”
For many villagers, the unveiling marked the long-awaited restoration of dignity to relatives whose stories had remained largely unrecognised for decades.
Elderly villager Mr Jabulani Ncube said the community had long carried the pain of the tragedy without formal acknowledgement.
“We have carried this sorrow in our hearts for many years. These children and fighters were buried in silence, their story not fully told. Today, we feel seen, we feel heard,” he said.
Mrs Thandeka Moyo said the monument symbolised recognition of their suffering and sacrifice.
“This is not just a structure. It is a sign that our Government remembers. The Second Republic has brought back the dignity of our people. Our children and our heroes can now rest in honour,” she said.
Younger residents said the site would serve as an important educational and heritage landmark for future generations.
“We grew up hearing fragments of this story, but now it is being preserved in a way that we can understand and pass on,” said Mr Sipho Ndlovu.
He urged authorities to integrate the history of Ratanyana into the national education curriculum, saying it should not remain confined to oral history.
Another youth, Miss Lindiwe Ncube, echoed the call, saying liberation war heritage sites should be included in school programmes and educational tours.
“When young people visit places like this and learn the real stories, it builds patriotism and respect for our history,” she said.
War veterans who attended the ceremony said such commemorations were vital in preserving the legacy of the liberation struggle.
“This is about truth and memory. We must ensure that future generations know the cost of the freedom they enjoy,” said Cde Abel Dube.
The ceremony formed part of broader Government efforts to identify, document and develop liberation war heritage sites across the country, in line with the national vision of inclusive development and cultural preservation.
As wreaths were laid, a quiet resolve settled over Ratanyana, with participants reflecting on both the pain of the past and the importance of remembrance.
The monument, standing tall in the heart of Maphisa, is expected to serve as a lasting beacon of memory — a solemn tribute to innocent lives lost and heroic sacrifices made in the struggle for Zimbabwe’s independence.
In a related development earlier in the day, Vice President Mohadi also commissioned the Ratanyana Clinic, a facility constructed by the Lotteries and Gaming Board to improve access to healthcare services for surrounding communities.
The clinic, which includes a staff house and a borehole to ensure reliable water supply, is set to benefit five villages — Simpane, Ntantini, Ratanyana, Mashumba and Mahlabathini — which previously had to travel nearly 15 kilometres to the nearest health facility.
The project forms part of Government’s ongoing drive under the Second Republic to strengthen health infrastructure, improve service delivery and move towards universal health coverage.
Online Reporter