adminConrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
YOUTHS in Chinhoyi yesterday commemorated the 1966 Battle of Chinhoyi in honour of the seven fighters who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe’s independence.
Yesterday marked the 55th anniversary since the seven fighters – Christopher Chatambudza, David Guzuzu, Godwin Manyerenyere, Arthur Maramba, Godfrey Dube, Chubby Sawana and Simon Chimbodza Nyandoro – lost their lives after fighting bravely against the white settler regime forces.
The Chinhoyi Battle also buttressed Mbuya Nehanda’s words on 27 April 1898 when she was hanged, but not before predicting a bloody war of liberation. Youths In Defence of Zimbabwe Sovereignty Organisation (IDZSO) in honouring the fallen heroes, have lined up various activities including a clean up campaign aimed at sprucing up the image of the Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre which is where the seven gallant sons fought and perished.
Speaking during a leadership and orientation training workshop on the background of the struggle which was organised by the group, youths highlighted the need for government to fully honour the seven.
“We have not fully given respect to the fallen seven. Although there are efforts to put a monument and transform the place into a tourist attraction, a lot still needs to be done.
“The heroes’ shrine has no running water and its a challenge when people go there to bury any liberation struggle fighters.
“There is a grave which was dug sometime back where the seven were said to have been buried and it was left like that. Isn’t this taboo,” said one youth, Mr Felix Karambamuchero.
Other youths added that while efforts were being made to remember the seven through a monumental site currently under construction, there was need to locate the remains of the seven.
“Their remains are still to be found and as youths we are eager to for them to be located so that they are given befitting burials. Families of the seven and spirit mediums should also be involved in the quest to locate their remains,” said Ms Brenda Chinhamo.
A war veteran, Cde Moses Nyambombo, who provided lectures during the workshop, applauded the youths for remembering the seven heroes adding that the move would help preserve the history.
“I know with the coming in of the New Dispensation, the Chinhoyi Seven will be honoured. The fallen heroes were the torch bearers of the Second Chimurenga and their history is very vital to the nation. This is the reason why the youths want them to be honoured through a museum whose construction has since stalled,” he said.
IDZSO provincial chairman, Mr Godfrey Muzhandamhuri said they would have a lecture on HIV and AIDS today facilitated by the National Aids Council.
“Apart from the training workshop on the liberation struggle and HIV/AIDS, we will also conduct a clean up campaign at the provincial heroes shrine where various players are going to partner. The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka is expected to grace the occasion.
“This is our way of remembering the seven heroes 55 years on,” said Muzhandamhuri.
Online Reporter