MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU – Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has stressed that the struggle for Zimbabwe’s independence was a collective effort by all Zimbabweans, and their contribution should not be minimized to benefit a few.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Monomutapa monument plaque at Mtapa Hall in Gweru, Chiwenga said the protracted struggle against white settlers was not to liberate one’s village or province, but to liberate all Zimbabweans.
“Everyone fought for the liberation of Zimbabwe so that all Zimbabweans have a brighter future. No one should rub off the role played by every Zimbabwean for the attainment of independence,” Chiwenga said. “We all wanted to build a nation that is just, equitable and prosperous for all.”
The Vice President also refuted the narrative that President Mnangagwa was the only surviving attendee of the first ZANU congress at Mtapa in 1964.
He explained that other ZANU Youth stalwarts, such as Shadreck Chipanga and politburo member Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, were also present at the congress, although they were not trained at the time.
“Another ZANU youth stalwart who attended the congress, though not trained then, was Cde Shadreck Chipanga, former Director General of the CIO, who had been released from Whawha Prison after being detained with three comrades for civil disobedience and acts of sabotage. They later escaped for training in Ghana after ZANU was banned in September 1964,” he explained.
“Simbarashe Mumbengegwi was among the youths from Fletcher High School who provided security during the 1964 Mtapa congress, despite not being formally trained at the time,” added Chiwenga.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe highlighted his ministry’s role in preserving national heritage through the construction of Independence Legacy projects.
“At Sikombela, a beacon of the struggle for our independence, my ministry has constructed a freedom plinth monument, a site and field museum, as well as amenities, including an ablution facility,” he said.
Furthermore, an exhibition has been mounted at Connemara Detention Prison chronicling the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.
At Mtapa Hall, the site of the inaugural ZANU Congress, exhibitions of the proceedings have been installed, with storyboards detailing the event’s significance constructed outside the hall to educate the public.
In addition, the Board of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) has recommended the property be designated a national monument in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Gweru City Council.
Another exhibition has been installed at Hwahwa Detention Prison as a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity,” Minister Kazembe added
