Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in Maputo, Mozambique
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will tomorrow join other Heads of State and Government in Maputo, Mozambique, for that country’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.
The Golden Jubilee commemorations will take place at Machava Stadium —the same venue where Mozambique’s founding President, Samora Machel, proclaimed the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
An estimated 40 000 people are expected to attend the celebrations.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Cde Victor Matemadanda, said the milestone event was not only a celebration for Mozambique but also a testament to the resilience and sovereignty of the entire SADC region.
“Given the shared history between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, which dates back to the liberation struggle, this 50-year milestone is significant not only for Mozambique, but also for Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region,” he said.
“What Zimbabwe is today cannot be explained without acknowledging Mozambique. We have supported each other through difficult times, and Zimbabwe’s participation at the highest level is a clear message to the people of Mozambique that we remain united. Zimbabwe is participating as an all-weather friend.”
Ambassador Matemadanda noted that Harare and Maputo have long enjoyed cordial relations, rooted in the support Mozambique provided to Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters during the liberation struggle against Ian Smith’s colonial regime.
“You may also be aware that Mozambique has faced security challenges, and Zimbabwe’s continued presence offers reassurance, given our history of mutual support. Mozambique has also assisted us in various areas, including economic co-operation. This enduring friendship will be further strengthened by President Mnangagwa’s attendance at the 50th anniversary celebrations,” he said.
He praised Mozambique’s resilience in the face of adversity.
“There was once a belief, famously expressed by Ian Smith, that black people would never govern themselves for a thousand years. The Portuguese were even more ruthless and brutal, and they never imagined that the people of Mozambique would successfully govern themselves for this long,” said Ambassador Matemadanda.
He said democracy in Mozambique is thriving, which is encouraging to witness.
“From Samora Machel, who tragically died in an unfortunate incident, to leaders such as Joaquim Chissano, Armando Guebuza, Filipe Nyusi, and now President Daniel Chapo, Mozambique has demonstrated a strong democratic tradition.
“This is particularly noteworthy given that many, especially imperialists, once viewed the country as backward and incapable of sustaining democracy. Yet, Mozambique has proven otherwise —and there is much the world can learn from its journey,” he said.
