Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday received a special letter from his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, praising Zimbabwe’s veterans of the liberation struggle for being a critical pillar in strengthening the enduring diplomatic ties between the two sister Republics.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding presented the letter to the President at State House in Harare.
The letter was a response to a group of Zimbabwean national liberation war veterans who had written to President Xi expressing their profound gratitude for China’s invaluable support during the struggle against colonial rule.
In his response, President Xi noted that in their youth, the veterans devoted themselves to the great cause of national liberation, leaving their homelands to forge a profound friendship and comradeship with China in the heat of the struggle.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding presented the letter to the President at State House in Harare.
President Mnangagwa, himself a graduate of the Nanjing Military Academy, read the letter to a group of veterans—some of whom received training in China while others were trained by Chinese instructors on African soil during the 1960s and 1970s.
The President briefly reflected on his own military training in China in the 1960s, reaffirming a bond forged in the trenches that continues to define Zimbabwe’s foreign policy today.
Speaking after the presentation, Ambassador Zhou said the relationship has transcended its revolutionary roots to become a blueprint for 21st-century modernisation.
“I believe President Xi’s response to our veterans is significant. His words do not only reflect on the past but also convey a vision for the future. We want to tell our younger generations to know about our common value, our common legacy, which has been providing the strength,” Ambassador Zhou said.
He noted that China’s support has been steadfast for decades, moving from military and political aid during the war to supporting nation-building, economic development, and social progress post-Independence.
Ambassador Zhou said China remains Zimbabwe’s primary source of foreign investment, sustaining over one million jobs through various projects.
“This support arises from military collaboration, investment partnerships, and a vibrant exchange of cultural and social ties between our peoples.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga expressed her appreciation for China’s consistent role in Zimbabwe’s development.
“We are not only recognising the contributions of Zimbabwe’s war veterans… but we also want to encourage not just Zimbabweans, but also Chinese youth, to learn about this significant part of history,” he said.
The Ambassador expressed his personal honour in working with President Mnangagwa, noting that he has accompanied the Zimbabwean leader on two visits to China during his tenure—a feat he described as unprecedented.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga expressed her appreciation for China’s consistent role in Zimbabwe’s development.
“China supported our revolution and liberation by providing material assistance and training for our members. Our comrades recognised this ongoing support even after our liberation and felt it was essential to express our appreciation,” Minister Mavhunga said.
She explained that 17 veterans initiated the correspondence to President Xi, which led to the historic reply.
The Minister was accompanied by several high-ranking veterans, including ZANU PF Deputy Political Commissar Cde Webster Shamu, Deputy Secretary for Economic Affairs Cde Andy Mlanga, and Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairperson Cde Cephas Ncube.
“I’m pleased that the Chinese (officials) have expressed their desire to continue collaborating with veterans. They even informed the President that they would like to facilitate exchange visits. We truly appreciate this gesture,” she added.
The Minister was accompanied by several high-ranking veterans, including ZANU PF Deputy Political Commissar Cde Webster Shamu, Deputy Secretary for Economic Affairs Cde Andy Mlanga, and Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairperson Cde Cephas Ncube.
The correspondence underscores the “all-weather” nature of the relationship between Harare and Beijing, which has transitioned from a revolutionary bond into a comprehensive strategic partnership.
