adminFactmore Dzobo Senior Reporter
MAFELA Trust has organised a historical tour to Freedom Camp in Zambia where many Zimbabweans lost their lives following a bombardment by Rhodesian forces in 1978.
The visit which is scheduled for this Sunday and will include war veterans, youths and survivors of the terror attack, is being undertaken as part of Heroes’ Day commemorations.
Zephaniah Nkomo, the national director of Mafela Trust, a Bulawayo-based organisation that researches and documents the political and military activities of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra), said the trip would enable Zimbabweans, particularly the youths to understand the history of the liberation struggle.
“Mafela” was the liberation war name of the last Zipra commander, the late Lookout Masuku.
Nkomo said the visit would also enable ex-combatants and survivors of the bombings to fulfil their desire to pay homage to their departed colleagues every year.
“Preparations are now at an advanced stage and two buses have been hired for the pilgrimage. We urge all Zimbabweans particularly youths to participate and join the tour for them to understand the history of the liberation struggle,” said Cde Nkomo.
He said the freedom fighters’ graves at Freedom Camp and in other places in Zambia should be well preserved and documented for posterity.
“The visit will allow Zimbabweans to pay homage to the hundreds of trainees and cadres who were killed by the Rhodesian forces in Zambia. This kind of history needs to documented and preserved for generations to come,” said Nkomo.
Online Reporter