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Samuel Kadungure recently in CHIMOIO, Mozambique
ZIMBABWE on Sunday joined Mozambique in celebrating 48 years of independence — with emphasis being placed on economic development and growth to better the lives of people from the Manicaland and Manica Provinces.
Mozambique got its independence on June 25, 1975 after a protracted armed conflict between the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) guerrilla forces and Portugal.
This year’s independence celebrations were unique as they came two days after the final phase of the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of the former Renamo rebels.
President Mnangagwa and other leaders attended the milestone event.
Renamo is a former insurgency and military group formed in the 1970s to topple the Frelimo-led government.
The reintegration ended decades of civil conflict in Mozambique, whose impact threatened the security and stability of the SADC region, including Zimbabwe which bore the brunt of the hostilities, particularly in Chimanimani, Chipinge and Honde Valley.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere and her delegation, which included the Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Edgars Seenza, attended the independence celebrations.
Minister Matsikenyere said the people of Zimbabwe and Mozambique share a common history.
“This event is important to all of us as it brings us together and reminds us of our common history. Mozambique’s independence is our independence, we celebrate together. Zimbabwe’s independence is Mozambique’s independence, we celebrate together. We are one people.
“The relationship between Mozambique and Zimbabwe dates back well before Mozambique got its independence. The two countries’ liberation movements fought side-by-side in the trenches against the Portuguese and Rhodesian forces.
“As a result, we developed a strong bond forged in blood; and this bond can never be broken or shaken,” she said.
Minister Matsikenyere said Mozambique sacrificed a lot for Zimbabwe to gain its independence in 1980.
“Many lives were lost, including sons and daughters of Mozambique during the Chimoio and Nyadzonia massacres at the hands of Rhodesian forces. Zimbabwe and Mozambique will forever remain all-weather friends.
“Zimbabwe will continue to help Mozambique to defend its independence and sovereignty. Let me assure you that Zimbabwe will always be there for the people of Mozambique,” she said.
Minister Matsikenyere said Manicaland and Manica Provinces will remain inseparable, and will continue working together to fast-track economic development for the benefit of their people.
“We must grow our two economies together and increase trade between our two provinces. We cherish the peace we enjoy and the free movement of our people across our borders,” she said.
The Governor of Manica Province, Honourable Fransisca Domingos Tomas said notwithstanding administrative limits, the people from the two provinces constitute a single people.
Honourable Tomas said President Filipe Nyusi is committed to ensuring long lasting peace, which is fundamental for the development and well-being of the people of Mozambique.
Honourable Tomas commended President Nyusi for being steadfast in searchimg for long lasting peace in Mozambique, which culminated in the demilitarisation, disarmament and reintegration of the former Renamo rebels on June 23, 2023.
She said under President Nyusi’s leadership, her country has made great strides in constructing key infrastructure such as roads, schools and health centres, as well as expansion of electricity and water supply networks.
She said these developments have significantly contributed to increased agricultural production, food security and income for the locals.
At independence, Mozambique had a high rate of illiteracy, and the country responded by pushing mass education programmes.
This has seen more schools and universities being established.
Online Reporter