Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike in LUENA, Angola
VICE President Kembo Mohadi has urged SADC member states to deepen economic cooperation and trade among themselves in order to achieve economic emancipation and transform the region into a formidable economic bloc.
Speaking in Moxico Province, Angola, after visiting the Boma Mass Grave, Vice President Mohadi said SADC must prioritise intra-regional economic ties before seeking wider continental engagement.
He emphasised that while political independence had been secured decades ago, the region could only attain full emancipation once member states took control of their own economic resources.
“We are far from being independent,” he said.
“While we gained political independence in the 70s, 80s and 90s; it is indeed true that we have our own parliaments, judiciary systems and executives, but the ultimate goal for total emancipation of our people is when we have our economic independence; when we are in charge of our resources and when we are in charge of everything that belongs to us.”
VP Mohadi stressed that economic ownership and control by indigenous populations was key to building lasting prosperity.
“After our independence, we formed our regional economic group called SADC,” he said.
“It is through this economic bloc that we have to get and foster our economic independence and strive for economic independence. SADC as a region must be a formidable economic bloc. We can only do so by strengthening our relations.”
The Vice President said unity and solidarity among SADC nations was the “panacea to our development,” making the region more self-reliant and resilient.
Turning to the significance of his visit, VP Mohadi said the Boma Mass Grave – where more than 300 freedom fighters were buried following the February 26, 1979 bombings – was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for liberation.
“It invokes a lot of memories of what we went through,” he said.
“The young people of this region – the SADC region – don’t know that, they take things for granted.
“There was bloodshed for the freedom that they enjoy today because we got our independence through blood, through the loss of life.
“It is now incumbent upon you that you preserve this independence which was won through the precious blood of our people.
“So, guard it jealously and never, never in one single day think of handing it back to the hands of the enemy again.”
VP Mohadi commended local youths for preserving the site over the years, describing their efforts as a symbol of the solidarity SADC should embrace.
“Let me thank, wholeheartedly, the youths of this place and youths from the surrounding area for the good that they have done; for making a point that this gravesite and shrine remains clean.”
Vice President Mohadi announced that Zimbabwe would construct a shrine and monuments at the site, with work expected to begin soon.
He also expressed gratitude to the Angolan Government and the Governor of Moxico Province, Dr Ernesto Muangala, for their support.
During his visit, Vice President Mohadi also paid a courtesy call on Angola’s Vice President Esperanca da Costa and held discussions with the ruling MPLA’s vice president.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and social spheres.
