Online Reporter
Africa Moyo in VILANKULO, Mozambique
AS one approaches Magacaia Village in Massinga District, Inhambane Province, Mozambique, they are greeted by the Zimbabwean flag flying proudly at the Josiah Magama Tongogara Memorial Site.
Vice-President Kembo Mohadi visited the site yesterday as part of his tour to assess liberation war shrines in countries from which Zimbabweans fiercely fought for independence from the racist Ian Smith regime.
He was welcomed by senior provincial officials, along with a cheerful and vibrant crowd that included Frelimo supporters dressed in party regalia. The supporters broke into song and dance upon seeing VP Mohadi’s motorcade.
The Josiah Magama Memorial Site comprises three elements; a cenotaph, a symbolic grave, and a memorial tree. It was constructed by the Government to honour the legacy of the late military general, affectionately known as General Tongo, who commanded Zanla, the military wing of Zanu. He was also a member of the Dare reChimurenga and the High Command, which directed the liberation struggle.
General Tongo tragically died in a road accident around 6am in Magacaia Village on December 26, 1979, while en route to Chimoio to inform freedom fighters to lay down arms following the conclusion of the Lancaster House Agreement, which paved the way for independence.
He had travelled approximately 550km from Maputo northwards, passing through Xai Xai — a base primarily used for ideological orientation of recruits before they were moved to other bases for military training.
Upon reaching Massinga, 321km from Xai Xai, he met his fate, just days after the signing of the agreement that marked the end of the war and the dawn of independence. He was heading to Chimoio, located about 608km from Massinga.
He was accompanied by the current Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who was reportedly seated in the back while General Tongo occupied the front passenger seat.
A local villager, Fernando Joao Dias — now deceased — witnessed the crash while eating a mango. He later planted the seed, which has grown into a memorial tree that is now fenced off. An information plaque has also been installed.
Construction of the cenotaph began in March 2018, led by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ). The granite-clad cenotaph features elements such as a model of the Great Zimbabwe Monument, the Zimbabwe Bird, a spear, a sword, and polished black granite panels with inscriptions.
Nearby stands the Josiah Magama Memorial Health Centre, which is nearly 90 percent complete. It includes a maternity ward with six beds, a waiting mothers’ ward with six beds, two labour and delivery rooms, a conference room, kitchen, shower and toilets, storeroom, and a borehole powered by a generator and a 5 000-litre water tank.
VP Mohadi toured the health facility, including staff accommodation. Once completed, President Mnangagwa will officially hand over the facility to the Mozambican people.
Speaking after the tour, VP Mohadi said General Tongo fought valiantly for an independent and united Zimbabwe.
“Well, my fondest memory is that he was a General. A General barks orders; he doesn’t persuade. He used to bark orders to everyone. But one good thing about Tongogara was that he didn’t see Zapu and Zanu as separate entities; he interacted with both.
“I remember when I worked at Zimbabwe House in Zambia, which was (the late former Vice-President Dr Joshua) Nkomo’s headquarters, he used to come and give me assignments. He would say, ‘mfana, I want you to do A, B, C, D,’ and I would do it. He was a man with a spirit of unity — he always wanted people to be united,” he said.
VP Mohadi expressed sorrow that General Tongo died on the eve of independence.
“He should have been there, really. I don’t think we would be the same if he was. Whoever decided to take him away robbed Zimbabwe of a man, a general, a visionary — olombono.
“But what comforts me is that the place where he lost his life has been well preserved. The cenotaph is there, with his short history and narrations. His symbolic grave is equally well maintained. And the tree planted in his honour by that farmer — whom I don’t even know — has grown so large.
“So, when you come here, whether you’re driving, visiting, or even lost, you see the flags flying and these structures, and you’re compelled to ask, ‘What happened here?’ Then they’ll tell you, ‘That’s where one of Zimbabwe’s greatest generals passed on.’
“I must give credit to vana Mr Lovemore Mandima (NMMZ southern region director) and the rest for the excellent work done here. This is what I would like to see at every shrine where our comrades are interred.”
Asked by a Mozambican journalist about General Tongo’s legacy, VP Mohadi responded: “Unity, co-operation, and development. “He stood for Zimbabwe, and he stood for Africa. He stood for peace — peace within Zimbabwe, within the SADC region, and across the continent.”
A community leader, Mr Xavier Matsimbe, who spoke with VP Mohadi in Shangani, praised Zimbabwe for its efforts in memorialising General Tongo.
