Nation goes back to its roots

Chief Reporter

Every now and then, one longs for home. No matter one’s age or disposition, home is best.

And this rang true yesterday as multitudes converged at the Great Zimbabwe Monument to celebrate President Mugabe’s 92nd birthday anniversary.

One could not help but discern the symbolic significance of hosting the icon’s birthday at these houses of stone. It was an emotive home-coming of a nation returning to its roots.

Between the 11th and 15th centuries, Great Zimbabwe was one of Africa’s greatest civilisations. Majoring in farming and mining, it was a trade hub, an integral global economic player of medieval times.

The stone structures — as impressive then as today’s architectural designs — were simply breath-taking.

Enchanted, German archaeologist Carl Mauch likened them to Solom’s Temple on Mt Moriah.

Now, centuries later, President Mugabe — who has consistently advocated for the building of a truly great Zimbabwe, took the nation to its birthplace.

It was as if to evoke the spirits of the artistic plateau peoples and the formidable Monomotapa.

“The significance of Great Zimbabwe is its symbolism of the identity of Zimbabwe as a nation. It represents our history, particularly our successes as a people,” says Dr Godfrey Mahachi, the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe director.

“On the other hand, President Mugabe embodies our liberation struggle, our fight against colonial rule and the ongoing fight to achieve economic independence.”

He adds: “Great Zimbabwe embodies the values that distinguish us as a people. It’s a source of inspiration to the people of Zimbabwe. We see our success and the connection between us and our ancestors, and how we can learn from them to advance our nation.

“The link between Great Zimbabwe and the 21st February Movement is historic as the latter is about celebrating a life of success and the values of our President. Both speak to the values that we want transmitted through generations, values expressed through history.

“These are values that will make our nation survive into eternity. Both Great Zimbabwe and the 21st February Movement speak to the values that should link our nation to the past, present and future. I believe the two have come together to bring out the important point that our future can only be underpinned if we protect the nation’s values.” Historian Dr Kenneth Manungo chips in: “Who are we as a nation of Zimbabwe and what do we represent? These are the questions that the youth of today should ask themselves. They do not have adequate knowledge about their history and do not give appropriate recognition to places like Great Zimbabwe and people like President Mugabe.

“For the 21st February Movement celebrations to be hosted at this monument is a great honour.

‘‘It is a moment that should be recorded in history. It’s a picture perfect moment for history; the 21st February Movement and the great stone walls of Zimbabwe have connected.”