Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya in LUANGWA, Zambia
ZIMBABWE is indebted to the “immense sacrifices” of the people of Zambia, which laid the foundation for the peace and progress the country enjoys today, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said yesterday, emphasising the strong bond between Harare and Lusaka that dates back to the days of the liberation struggle.
VP Mohadi made the remarks here at the Kavalamanja/Kakaro commemorations, which are held annually in remembrance of the sacrifices made by brave sons and daughters of both countries who lost their lives during the Kavalamanja Battle in 1978 after an attack by the Rhodesian Security Forces.
Among the fallen heroes were Zambian civilians, who were killed in the Kakaro area by the colonial regime in the same year.
The commemorations are held by the two governments every first week of March.
VP Mohadi, who officiated at this year’s event, which were held between Friday and Saturday, highlighted Zambia’s significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle by hosting liberation movements like ZIPRA and ZANLA.
“It is with deep respect and utmost reverence that I stand before you today as we gather to honour the Kavalamanja/Kakaro heritage and to celebrate the resilience and unity of our people in the struggle for freedom and independence,” he said.
“It is a great honour for me to join the government and people of the Republic of Zambia in this solemn occasion to remember the sacrifices made 48 years ago by the brave sons and daughters of the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe, whose lives were tragically ended by the brutal Rhodesian Security Forces.
“It is deeply saddening that we lost not only a battalion of Zambians but also the lives of both Zambian and Zimbabwean civilians. It is very tragic that on that day, the Rhodesian Security Forces murdered unarmed civilians.
“Our gathering here today serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by the people of the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe for the liberation of Zimbabwe. These sacrifices laid the foundation for the peace and progress we enjoy today. We are indebted to their sacrifices.”
He stressed the importance of preserving shared history and strengthening ties between Harare and Lusaka.
As a member of the Frontline States, Zambia hosted most of the Southern African liberation movements, including ZIPRA and ZANLA of Zimbabwe, SWAPO of Namibia and the ANC of South Africa.
The Government of Zimbabwe, VP Mohadi added, was alive to the fact that remains of its gallant sons and daughters lie scattered across Zambia.
He, however, commended the neighbouring country for shouldering the responsibility of preserving Zimbabwe war heritage sites.
“We are taking significant steps towards rehabilitating and preserving war heritage shrines across the region. The Kavalamanja/Kakaro shrine is a vital part of this initiative, alongside Freedom Camp, Mkhushi Girls Camp and St Mary’s Cemetery, among other sites in the Republic of Zambia,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is dedicated to restoring and enhancing the Kavalamanja/Kakaro shrine, not only as a place of reflection and honour, but also as a symbol of unity that demonstrates the strength of our solidarity and people-to-people relations.”
Zimbabwe will also sink boreholes for the shrine and local community and erect interactive panels to preserve history.
In 2023, the Government funded the construction of a classroom block commissioned at Kavalamanja Primary School in honour of Zambia’s solidarity during the war of liberation.
VP Mohadi said plans were afoot to address the mass graves at the site, erect interactive panels, especially at the Anti-Air position, bomb explosion site, former camp clinic and Captain Kalima’s trench to ensure that the rich history of this site is preserved for future generations.
The Government, through the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, will this year undertake preservation works of the liberation shrines in Zambia.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let me assure you, Honourable Minister, of His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the Government and people of Zimbabwe’s unwavering support for the commemorations we are gathered for today and the candle ceremony held yesterday (Friday) at Kakaro,” VP Mohadi added.
“The commemorations are an integral part of our painful yet rich history that we must remember, as forgetting would betray the great sacrifices made by our heroes and heroines, both fallen and living.”
Zambia’s Defence Minister Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma said they were grateful for the continued support from Zimbabwe, adding that the visit by VP Mohadi was testament to how Zimbabwe was committed to cementing relations and remembering historical ties. He said Zambia was committed to uplifting the lives of those bearing scars for the liberation struggle across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“It’s nearly five decades since we lost our brothers and sisters in this battle against colonial rule, and today, we feel very honoured to have the Vice President of Zimbabwe with us. This shows the seriousness in terms of preservation of our rich history,” he said.
