Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in BULAWAYO
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has said Zimbabwe and Mozambique are one family as he reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical and brotherly ties between the two nations, a bond forged during the days of the liberation struggle.
Departing from his prepared speech at the 2025 All-Councillors Indaba in Bulawayo yesterday, the President reflected on Mozambique’s 50th Independence Day celebrations, which he attended in Maputo on Wednesday, and called on Zimbabweans to emulate Mozambique’s model of unity and development.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations were held at that country’s Machava Stadium, the same place where Mozambique’s founding President Samora Machel proclaimed the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
“Yesterday I was in Mozambique celebrating with them their 50th independence celebrations representing you,” said the President.
He said the unity and development achieved by Mozambique under the leadership of the ruling Frelimo party was testimony to what determined, revolutionary people can achieve.
“The Mozambicans said the relationship between them and us is strong. They view us as one family and we also view them in the same manner,” said President Mnangagwa.
He noted the transformative progress made by Mozambique since independence.
“They said that at their independence, there were no more than 10 schools, but now there are many. Almost from zero to thousands of schools, clinics built by Frelimo, the ruling party,” President Mnangagwa said.
This example should serve as an inspiration to Zimbabweans to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“During the independence celebrations, the Mozambicans managed to give a detailed account of the number of schools, clinics they had pre-independence. They also gave us the number of schools and clinics they now have, 50 years after independence.
“As Zimbabwe, I think we should also reflect and be able to say before our independence, we had such and such a number of schools and clinics. At present, how many schools and graduates, clinics do we have? By so doing we will be able to plan ahead,” said the President.
However, he said unity among Zimbabweans was key for development.
“We should remain united. No to chaos. No one knows everything, everyone is important. We should preach peace all the time.”
The President also revealed that Mozambican President Daniel Chapo had expressed solidarity with Zimbabwe.
“Mozambique President (Chapo) said when Zimbabwe was liberated, they rejoiced. President Chapo was excited to see me,” he said.
President Mnangagwa’s remarks come as both countries continue to consolidate bilateral cooperation in trade, security and infrastructure, built on the firm foundation of shared liberation history.
Mozambique looked after Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters and provided them with invaluable support as they fought the brutal racist colonial regime led by Ian Smith.
