Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
THE Independence Flame has arrived at Manama Mission School in Gwanda where a ceremony will be held in honour of over 400 cadres who responded to the call made by the revolutionary leaders and courageously departed from the institution to join in the liberation struggle in 1977.
The flame arrived in Gwanda from Beitbridge on Saturday night as it continues to weave its way through communities ahead of the main Uhuru commemorations in Maphisa district, Matabeleland South province.
Its route from Beitbridge through Gwanda, Insiza, Umzingwane, Bulilima and Mangwe, before arrival in Matobo is considered deeply symbolic.
This morning the Independence Flame embarked on an 88km journey from Gwanda Town to Manama Mission School, which is the first destination in Gwanda District.
Manama Mission is now remembered as a crucial site of resistance, a “liberation shrine” that symbolises the collective and passionate involvement of all sectors of society—including students—in bringing about independence.
In January 1977 during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, over 400 pupils, teachers, and nurses from Manama High School in Gwanda District left for Botswana to join the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) in Zambia.
After the Manama Mission School ceremony the Independence Flame will be transported back to Gwanda Town where it will move across business centres .
On Monday the flame will go to Insiza District, on Tuesday Umzingwane District while on Wednesday the Independence Flame will move to Bulilima and Mangwe Districts. On Thursday morning the Independence Flame will depart for Matobo District.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe said the route was reminiscent of “the long and difficult journey that led to the birth of our sovereign nation in 1980”.
@DubeMatutu
