Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya in Lusaka, Zambia
Vice President Col (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi arrived in Zambia on Friday afternoon ahead of the joint commemoration of the Kavalamanja Battle, which forms part of Zimbabwe and Zambia’s shared liberation war history.
He landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, where he was welcomed by Zambia’s Deputy Chief of State Protocol, Brigadier General Oliver Moonde.
Dr Mohadi was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included 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, Charity Charamba.
The Kavalamanja commemorations, which are held annually in March, honour the memories of Zambians and Zimbabweans who were killed by the Ian Smith regime in 1978 during the liberation war.
The two-day event will begin on Friday evening at Kakaro, where Zambian civilians were killed during the bombardment, while the main event will be held in the Kavalamanja area on Saturday.
Deputy Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Headman Moyo, is set to lead the commemorations at Kakaro on Friday.
The Vice President’s visit follows his regional tour to similar liberation shrines 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.
Dr Mohadi’s visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional cooperation.
In an interview at the airport, Vice President Mohadi 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 rember our fallen heroes. In terms of relations, we are one people and you will appreciate that recently we elavated our relationship from the Joint Permanent Commission cooperation to the level of the Bi-Natonal Commission,” said the Vice President.
He is expected to attend the commemorations, where he will lay wreaths and pay 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 are expected to serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the people of both countries.
