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The Herald, April 18, 1980
ZIMBABWE was born at midnight at a moving and memorable ceremony in Salisbury’s Rufaro Stadium.
When the flag of Zimbabwe was raised after the lowering of the Union Jack there was almost delirium among the 35 000-plus people in the stadium.
Both the Prime Minister, Mr Robert Mugabe, and the President, the Rev Canaan Banana, took their oaths before the Chief Justice in strong and confident voices.
The Flame of Independence was lit by Mr Mugabe amid continuous applause. The opening speech by the Queen’s representative, Prince Charles, was marred by a fight on the stand to the right of VIPs.
Among the early arrivals in the VIP stand were several white MPs. They included Mr Chris Andersen, the former Minister of Justice, Mr Rowan Cronje, a former Deputy Minister, Mr John Landau, and Mr Denis Divaris.
Also in the VIP stand with his wife Maggie, was Bishop Abel Muzorewa, the Prime Minister of the defunct Government of National Unity.
A few seats along from the bishop was the controversial Chief Tangwena, who returned from Mozambique with Mr Mugabe.
Behind the bishop sat a former Minister in the transitional Government and a Rhodesian Front stalwart and Cabinet Minister of many years, Mr P. K. van der Byl, and his wife.
Immediately behind Mr van der Byl, sat another RF old-timer, Mr Mark Partridge.
At about 22.35 teargas poured into the stadium from outside the southern end of the ground.
About 3 000 people on a grassy stand fled from the gas and people from all parts of the stadium covered their eyes and mouths, coughing and weeping.
One of the VIPs affected was the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Joshua Nkomo, who ran from his seat, followed by his wife.
The incident started as Bob Marley and the Wailers Band were playing. A police spokesperson said the teargas was used to disperse a large crowd outside the stadium. Bob Marley was mobbed by excited fans when he arrived at the stadium.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- Today is a very important and momentous day for all Zimbabweans who are celebrating 43 years of independence, which came after a protracted liberation struggle. Independence ushered in the peace and tranquillity that we continue to enjoy and afforded the black majority opportunities to enjoy the freedom that they could not under colonial rule.
- It is a day to recommit ourselves to our nation and to renew our allegiance to Zimbabwe, our home country.
- Africa’s emancipation can only be guaranteed if all nations on the continent are independent and are free from strife. Zimbabweans should continue to guard their sovereignty jealously.
Online Reporter