MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU–Thousands gathered at the historic Mutapa Hall in Gweru on Thursday (April 10, 2025) to witness the lighting of the 45th Independence Flame, a symbolic event honoring Zimbabwe’s Independence.
The ceremony was presided over by Vice President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga, who delivered a stirring speech that recalled the significance of the venue.
Mtapa Hall was the site of the inaugural Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) Party Congress in May 1964, where the decision to wage an armed struggle against colonial rule was made.
“The 1964 ZANU Congress was a pivotal event in Zimbabwe’s history where the decision to wage an armed struggle was taken under the mantra ‘We are our own Liberators through the barrel of the gun,'” Chiwenga told the cheerful crowd.
Also in attendance were several government ministers, including retired Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe who is the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen Ncube, Energy Minister July Moyo, and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, as well as Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Minister Monica Mavhunga.
The Independence Flame, Chiwenga said, “serves as our eternal symbol of the struggle, sacrifice, triumph and spirit of our beloved nation, Zimbabwe.”
He emphasized the importance of honoring the contributions of those who fought for the country’s liberation, both living and deceased.
“We recall and celebrate the contributions of those who came before us—both the living and those resting in marked and unmarked graves in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries – their sacrifices towards our liberation,” Chiwenga said.
The ceremony also highlighted the ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of the liberation struggle, with an exhibition mounted in Mtapa Hall to honor the iconic participants of the 1964 ZANU Congress.
As Zimbabwe prepares to celebrate 45 years of independence, Chiwenga urged the nation to draw inspiration from its history and heritage, while working towards a brighter future for all Zimbabweans.
“Let us strive to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come,” he said. “May the Independence Flame burn brighter in our hearts and throughout our great nation.”
