Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya in LUSAKA, Zambia
Vice President Col (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi has arrived in Zambia ahead of the joint commemoration of the Kavalamanja battle, as part of Zimbabwe and Zambia’s shared liberation war history.
Dr Mohadi was welcomed by Zambia’s Deputy Chief of State Protocol, Brigadier General Oliver Moonde, and a Zimbabwean delegation led by the country’s Ambassador to Zambia, Mrs Charity Charamba, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
He was accompanied by a high-level delegation of Government officials, veterans of the liberation struggle, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The Kavalamanja commemorations, held annually in March, honour the memories of Zambians and Zimbabweans killed by the Ian Smith regime in 1978 during the liberation struggle.
The two-day event, which is a testament to the strong bond between Zimbabwe and Zambia, will begin this Friday evening at Kakaro, where Zambian civilians were killed during the bombardment, while the main event will be held in the Kavalamanja area on Saturday.
Deputy Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Headman Moyo, is set to lead the celebrations at Kakaro.
This follows the Vice President’s regional tour of similar liberation shrines in Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, and Angola.
Dr Mohadi’s visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional cooperation.
In an interview at the airport, Vice President Mohadi paid tribute to the role played by Zambia during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“This is a very significant historical event where we jointly gather to remember our fallen heroes. In terms of relations, we are one people, and you will appreciate that recently we elevated our relationship from the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation to the level of the Bi-National Commission,” said the Vice President.
The Kavalamanja battle is a significant event in the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, and this year’s commemorations promise to be a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by both countries.
