Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
IN an era where the legacies of struggle and resistance are often overshadowed by the hustle of modernity, Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s recent tour of Angola and Tanzania offers Zimbabweans a moment to pause, reflect and remember the sacrifices that made freedom possible.
For weeks, the Vice President visited sites that once bore witness to courage and struggle — the training grounds where freedom fighters honed their skills, the burial grounds where some made the ultimate sacrifice, and the museums that chronicle the long road to independence.
His visit was to assess the sites in line with the Second Republic’s commitment to honour freedom fighters buried in foreign lands.
His journey was not merely ceremonial; it was a profound reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom — a bridge linking Zimbabwe’s storied past to its dynamic present.
In Luena, Moxico Province, Angola, VP Mohadi stood silently at the Boma Mass Burial site.
Here, more than 300 Zimbabwean fighters, alongside Angolan and Cuban instructors, rest following the brutal February 26, 1979 attack by colonial forces.
A wreath adorned with Zimbabwe’s national colours lay in his hands as he bowed his head, pausing to absorb the weight of history.
“We owe our freedom to the sacrifices made by these gallant sons and daughters. Their legacy must be remembered and cherished by every Zimbabwean,” he remarked.
Angolan Government officials and a Zimbabwean inter-ministerial delegation, which accompanied the Vice President, were also deeply touched.
“These brave souls gave everything for the freedom we enjoy today. It is our duty to honour their memory,” he later told the media, his voice tinged with sincerity.
In a heartfelt gesture, Vice President Mohadi took time to interface with the villagers of Boma, including their traditional leadership.
During the interface, he listened intently to their stories, shared in their grief and pride.
The villagers expressed their gratitude for his visit, recounting tales of the past that resonated deeply with Vice President Mohadi.
To further demonstrate his gratitude to the community, VP Mohadi handed foodstuffs to the villagers, a gesture that brought smiles and tears of joy.
This act of kindness symbolised, not only support, but also solidarity with those who continue to feel the effects of a long struggle for freedom.
Later that day, in Luena Town, Mohadi visited the Beacon of Peace, a monument symbolising the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.
Standing before the towering structure, he bowed his head, laid another wreath, emphasising the importance of peace as a foundation for progress.
He was being led by the Governor of Moxico Dr Enersto Muangala, who later took him for lunch at his palace.
The Vice President’s visit to the Angolan capital, Luanda, was significant, underscoring the historical ties between the two nations.
Angola supported Zimbabwe’s liberation movement, providing training and sanctuary to the Zimbabwe liberation war fighters.
Vice President Mohadi’s homage to Angola’s role in the liberation struggle is a reminder of the enduring bonds forged in the fires of conflict.
Following his time in Angola, he travelled to Tanzania.
The tour began at the Bagamoyo Training Camp, now known as the Kaola Wazaza School of Agriculture, where Mohadi was greeted by local dignitaries and members of the Tanzanian military.
Bagamoyo is located in the Coast Region of Tanzania.
The camp played host to liberation fighters like President Mnangagwa, the late heroes Josiah Tongogara, Herbert Chitepo, Solomon Mujuru and Vitalis Zvinavashe.
It also sheltered Samora Machel and Joaquim Chissano.
As he walked through the camp, he took a moment to reflect on the buildings and cooking utensils used by the freedom fighters, simple yet symbolic buildings and artefacts that once nourished the bodies and spirits of those who fought for independence.
Each building and pot told a story of resilience and solidarity, evoking memories of a time when unity was paramount in the face of colonial oppression.
Moments later, he was ready to guide those present on a profound emotional journey, recounting the sacrifices made by Angolans who gave their limbs and resources in the struggle for independence.
Afterward, he visited the African Liberation Heritage Centre, where he watched a powerful documentary that breathed life into the legacies of the late former presidents, Robert Mugabe and Julius Nyerere.
This documentary vividly chronicled the arduous path to freedom for SADC countries, evoking a deep sense of resilience and hope as it illuminated the sacrifices and triumphs of those who fought for liberation.
The Vice President also toured the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere School of Leadership, which is enrolling students drawn from members of liberation movements from Southern Africa.
Its lessons border on development, patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
During the tour, the Vice President urged the youths to preserve the liberation war history.
“What we want as former liberation movements is to deliver, deliver to the people, serve the people and if you do not do that then you are not part of us.
“The liberation fighters are no longer with us, but their aims, objects and ideals are still living hence why we are here. They have gone in flesh but in spirit we are still with them,” he said.
The Vice President’s message is particularly pertinent in a time when historical narratives are prone to dilution or being forgotten.
Tanzania also hosted other training camps like Mgagao, Kongwa, Morogoro and Nachingwea.
By visiting these sites, the VP not only honoured the fallen but also invigorated the spirit of patriotism among the youth.
His journey serves as a reminder that vigilance and remembrance are essential to prevent the erosion of hard-won freedoms.
Vice-President Mohadi’s trip is crucial, as it reinforces the importance of regional solidarity in Africa, showcasing Zimbabwe’s appreciation for the support it received during its liberation struggle.
In a world where the past can often seem distant, VP Mohadi’s journey is a vital link, reminding Zimbabweans that their freedom came at a cost, and it is their responsibility to honour that legacy.
The Vice President also made the same journey to Zambia and Mozambique.
Peter Tanyanyiwa