“This flame is a beacon of remembrance and national pride”

Nqobile Bhebhe in Ratanyana, Maphisa

Vice President Kembo Mohadi has lit the Independence Flame at the Ratanyana Memorial Battle Site amid jubilation from large crowds that gathered for the historic occasion.

The flame was lit at 11:40am, marking the second such event after Vice President Constantino Chiwenga lit the flame in Zezani.

Lighting the flame symbolises freedom and unity, igniting a sense of national pride and reflecting the enduring spirit of independence.

The symbolic flame, representing Zimbabwe’s hard-won independence, has been taken across various districts in Matabeleland South, fostering community engagement and honouring the sacrifices made by liberation heroes.

In his keynote address, Vice President Mohadi said during the Ratanyana Battle, four children were killed by Rhodesian forces.

“We are commemorate the sacrifices of those comrades who died at this shrine,” he said.

He noted that the bodies of the four children were handed over to their families and buried at their respective homesteads.

“The graves of these children, together with those of 17 other family members who died of natural causes over the years, have been upgraded as part of Independence Legacy Projects.

“Therefore, this memorial also honours the sacrifices of original men, women, boys and girls who fought for our independence. It is a sanctuary of remembrance, a beacon of national pride and a reminder of our shared history.”

Vice President Mohadi said as the country honours those who suffered, it is also an occasion to celebrate the survivors.

“Today, I had the privilege of meeting the families of the fallen. It was a sad moment which brought back memories, but gratifying in the sense that today we have built this shrine for them to show that the valour shown by the departed is remembered,” he said.

Vice President Mohadi said the memorial also honours everyone who died for the liberation of the country and reminded the multitudes that the sacrifices made should not be taken for granted.

“As we honour those who died we also remember the survivors,” he said.

He said Cde Moses Makhanda Ngwenya is the only known survivor of the battle.

In his narration of the Ratanyana Battle, Cde Ngwenya said he never thought he would return to the battle site.

He said the six-hour battle was fierce and that although several comrades were lost, the Rhodesian forces also suffered heavy casualties due to the bravery of the liberation fighters.

In a speech read on his behalf, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the flame symbolises unity and shared identity among Zimbabweans.

“It has united our people across the province, sending a message of national pride,” he said.

He applauded the decentralisation of national events, saying it fosters inclusivity and national cohesion, adding that the Ratanyana site carries significant historical importance.

He said the lighting of the flame honours those who perished at the site and should serve as a unifying symbol for the nation.