Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has affirmed that the bold initiative to rename strategic national institutions, buildings, and streets is a deliberate effort by the Second Republic to honour Zimbabwe’s rich liberation history and its prominent figures.
The President made these remarks yesterday in Harare during the renaming of Tomlinson Police Depot to Chimoio Camp Depot. The significant event also saw President Mnangagwa commission four newly constructed, cutting-edge blocks of flats at the camp. Built for Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) personnel, the residential complex is expected to ease accommodation challenges and reaffirms the Government’s ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of police officers under the Second Republic.
The flats comprise 96 housing units, which will be allocated to junior officers from the ranks of Constable to Inspector.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic had taken a deliberate decision to accelerate the renaming of strategic national institutions, buildings, and streets across the country.
“It is with great honour and a sense of pride that I join you at this momentous occasion, to officiate at this ceremony marking the unveiling of the new name of Tomlinson Depot. This cantonment area will now be called Chimoio Camp Depot. Today, we also witness the commissioning of residential flats, hereafter called the Chimoio Police Camp Flats. Colonialism saw the naming of places and institutions being used as a means of dispossession, both physically and psychologically, for asserting dominion over our land and us, its rightful owners,” he said.
In line with the national philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind”, the President said his Government was committed to fostering unity and national pride by promoting shared values and heritage.
“These name changes are an important tool for preserving our heritage; hence, we are ensuring that the choice of names always echoes the correct historical narratives of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. It is critically important, therefore, that the naming of our institutions should reinforce who we are as Zimbabweans and Africans.
President Mnangagwa emphasised that the historical significance of these names should be regularly explained to educate both current and future generations about the country’s past and cultural diversity. He noted that the renaming of this key security facility followed the earlier change of Morris Depot to Mkushi Police Academy.
“The heinous and atrocious events that took place during the First and Second Chimurenga/Umvukela and the personal sacrifices of many sons and daughters of Zimbabwe should never be taken for granted. Although some of the experiences evoke painful memories, they should rekindle our fortitude to always defend and safeguard the independence, freedom, unity, and peace we now enjoy. The renaming of this depot to Chimoio Camp marks yet another milestone and step towards dismantling the remaining colonial legacies,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said that the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe’s gallant sons and daughters, including those at Chimoio Camp, should inspire police officers to serve with diligence and honour.
Through the renaming of critical institutions and buildings, the Second Republic is giving the country “a truly Zimbabwean identity and memorialising the significance of Chimoio Camp in Mozambique, among other places and incidents that connect us permanently to the liberation struggle”.
“In doing so, we are paying special tribute to our brothers and sisters in the Frontline States, both departed and living. They sacrificed their freedom and peace by sheltering us, providing food, camps to train, and other requisite material resources. Zimbabwe shall always remain eternally indebted to them for these acts of solidarity and support.
We also honour our sons and daughters who lost their lives in Mozambique, as well as our sister revolutionary party, Frelimo, the Government and people of Mozambique. To them we say, Muito Obrigado; thank you. Aluta Continua,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also stressed the urgent need to revitalise and strengthen the police’s construction units across all provinces. He acknowledged that beyond residential accommodation, the ZRP requires adequate resources to carry out its duties effectively.
“As such, resources will continue to be mobilised to capacitate the police to effectively deal with emerging challenges, which, among others, include transnational organised crimes, armed robberies, and road traffic accidents. As we modernise and industrialise our economy, specialised police training and capacity-building programmes will continue to receive the necessary support. We are determined to equip our officers with the knowledge and skills to handle critical policing missions within and beyond our borders,” he said.
The President commended the police for maintaining peace and security, noting that their efforts, alongside other national security agencies, continue to create a conducive environment for business and investment.
“This is a fundamental necessity for investment, trade, and the attainment of sustainable socio-economic development. Well done, congratulations. I thank all Zimbabweans for the support they render to the police service.
Harbouring criminals and criminal activities in both rural and urban communities must be shunned. Emboldened by our development philosophy, let us take advantage of the peaceful and stable environment to work hard in every sector and contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030. Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” he said.
President Mnangagwa congratulated all partners, ministries, departments, and agencies involved in the construction of the police apartments, expressing hope that the new flats would significantly address the housing needs of the police service. To the beneficiaries, he urged responsible stewardship and proper maintenance of the apartments. He also called on the police to ensure regular upkeep of the facility and other institutional accommodation across the country.
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tawengwa, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda, and Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba.
