Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
VETERANS of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle yesterday experienced a rare moment of recognition from China’s President Xi Jinping after he replied to a letter they wrote him last November recalling their military training experiences in China in the 1960s and 1970s.
In their jointly signed letter, the 17 war veterans congratulated China and the Chinese people on their accomplishments in the new era. They also emphasised that the Zimbabwe-China friendship was not borne out of convenience, but was forged in the crucible of shared struggles and sacrifices.
President Xi, in his reply handed over and read on his behalf by Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding, praised the war veterans for the sacrifices they made while far away from home and committing to free the country from colonial rule during their younger years.
He said the gesture and sentiments by the 17 veterans, coming almost 46 years into Zimbabwe-China relations and almost 70 years of China-Africa friendship, was “truly touching”.
“It was a great pleasure to receive your heartfelt letter. In your younger years, for the great cause of national liberation, you journeyed far away from home, and developed an enduring bond and camaraderie with China.
“Today you continue to keep a special place in your heart for China’s friendship with Zimbabwe and with Africa at large. Your sentiments are truly touching,” President Xi said.
In his remarks, Ambassador Zhou said the sincere response by President was a reflection of his profound respect for Zimbabwe’s war veterans and his deep appreciation for Zimbabwe-China friendship. He said the friendship between Zimbabwe and China was strengthened at a time his country was also going through challenges, yet through principle and friendship stood firm in helping Zimbabwe win its independence.
“His words also offer important guidance for the future of China-Zimbabwe and China-Africa relations. The friendship between China and Zimbabwe was forged in the fires of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“At a time when China itself faced significant challenges, we stood firmly with our Zimbabwean and African brothers, offering unwavering political support, critical military training, and substantial material assistance. Our veterans—including many here today—transformed the knowledge and skills gained in China into strength for Zimbabwe’s liberation, and forged an unbreakable bond between our two nations and peoples. I wish to pay the highest tribute to your historic contributions,” Ambassador Zhou said.
His sentiments were also reinforced by Deputy Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Headman Moyo praising China for not merely offering words, but provided concrete support through military training, political education and ideological grounding to Zimbabwean liberation fighters.
“The war veterans travelled great distances and received training that strengthened not only their military capacity, but also their political consciousness and revolutionary discipline,” Deputy Minister Moyo said.
Veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, including President Mnangagwa, received their military training at Nanjing in China while others were trained by Chinese instructors at the Nachingwea Camp in Tanzania,
Representative of war veterans, Cde Muneri Rex Chakwana, said President Xi’s reply to their letter was reminiscent of the support which was rendered to them militarily and educationally.
“This brings to memory the military discipline guidelines we were taught and how to behave as freedom fighters,” Cde Chakwana said.
The event was attended by ZANU PF Politburo members among them War Veterans Affairs Secretary Cde Douglas Mahiya, ZANU PF National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha and his deputy, Cde Webster Shamu and senior Government officials.
Peter Tanyanyiwa