VETERANS of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister, Senator Monica Mavhunga, has praised President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for championing the ongoing rehabilitation of the Chimoio Liberation War Shrine in Mozambique.
Speaking during her tour of the shrine last week, accompanied by her deputy, Honourable Headman Moyo and Permanent Secretary, Mr Albert Chikondo, Minister Mavhunga said President Mnangagwa’s unwavering guidance has ensured that the sacred heritage site finally receives the dignity and recognition it deserves.
“We are grateful to His Excellency, the President for giving direction and prioritising the preservation of our liberation legacy. This site represents the ultimate sacrifice made by our heroes and heroines, and we are pleased to see tangible development taking place,” said the Minister.
Her visit comes after a tour by Vice President Kembo Mohadi who was directed by President Mnangagwa to visit liberation sites in Zambia, Angola, Tanzania and Mozambique as part of a wider national effort to honour Zimbabwe’s liberation history beyond its borders.
Minister Mavhunga further revealed that Government has initiated the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate preservation efforts for all external heritage sites linked to the struggle. She added that work is also underway to create a dedicated fund for the rehabilitation and upkeep of such shrines.
“We are committed to ensure that the legacy of our gallant sons and daughters is not forgotten. Our role is to restore dignity and ensure these sites remain enduring symbols of our sovereignty,” she said.
The touring delegation included senior ministry officials and representatives from the Memorialisation Department in her ministry, whom the minister urged to gather detailed information to support comprehensive documentation of liberation history.
Deputy Minister Moyo encouraged officials to remain steadfast in safeguarding the values of independence.
“As a nation, we must cherish these sacred places because they hold the soul of our liberation,” he said.
ZANU PF Manicaland vice-chairperson and war veteran, Cde Linda Mathathu, said she was delighted with the progress, particularly the provision of decent accommodation for Mozambican custodians who have long taken care of the shrine.
Her sentiments were buttressed by Manicaland Provincial War Veterans Association chairperson, Cde Sendekera Musendo, who called upon young Zimbabweans to honour and uphold the virtues of independence embodied at the shrine.
Major upgrades already completed at the Chimoio Shrine include a new perimeter fence, solar-powered lighting, a visitors’ shed, a modern waterborne ablution facility, two modern three-bedroomed houses almost complete and the drilling of two boreholes that will also supply surrounding communities further strengthening ties between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
The rehabilitation project is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage through entities under its ministry the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and the Lotteries and Gaming Board.