Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya in Lusaka, Zambia
VICE-PRESIDENT, Kembo Mohadi, arrived in Zambia on Friday afternoon ahead of the joint commemoration of the Kavalamanja battle as part of Zimbabwe and Zambia’s shared liberation war history.
He landed at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and was welcomed by Zambia’s Deputy Chief of State Protocol, Brigadier General Oliver Moonde.
VP Mohadi is being accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Government officials, veterans of the liberation struggle, and members of the diplomatic corps.
He was also received by the Zimbabwean delegation led by the country’s Ambassador to Zambia, Cde Charity Charamba.
The Kavalamanja commemorations are held annually in March to honour the memories of Zambians and Zimbabweans killed by the Ian Smith regime in 1978 during the war of liberation.
The two-day event began yesterday evening at Kakaro, where Zambian civilians were killed during the bombardment, while the main event will be held in the Kavalamanja area today (Saturday).
Deputy Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Headman Moyo, was set to lead the celebrations at Kakaro on Friday.
Vice President Mohadi’s visit follows his regional tour to similar liberation shrines late last year in Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Angola.
The event is a testament to the strong bond between Zimbabwe and Zambia, forged during the struggle for independence.
VP Mohadi’s visit is also expected to strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional cooperation.
In an interview upon arrival at the airport, the Vice President 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 cooperation to the level of the Bi-National Commission,” he said.
VP Mohadi will attend the commemorations, laying wreaths and paying tribute to the fallen heroes.
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.
