Wallace Ruzvidzo in MAPUTO, Mozambique
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa arrived here yesterday evening and is today expected to join other Heads of State and Government at Mozambique’s 50th Independence Day commemorations.
The President was welcomed at Maputo International Airport by Mozambique’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Manuela Lucas and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique Victor Matemadanda.
The Golden Jubilee commemorations will be held under the theme, “50 Years of Independence: Consolidating national unity, peace and sustainable development”.
According to the programme, the celebrations will be preceded by a visit to the Mozambican Heroes Monument for a wreath-laying ceremony in which President Mnangagwa will take part.
The main celebrations are set for Machava Stadium in Maputo, the same place where founding President Samora Machel proclaimed the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Mozambique Government spokesperson Mr Inocêncio Impissa said 32 sitting and former Heads of State have been invited to attend the commemorations.
Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Tanzania President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile were among some of the Heads of State expected to arrive yesterday.
“What I can guarantee is that invitations were sent and we have confirmation from 32 Heads of State for the ceremony, as well as some former Heads of State,” Mr Impissa told local media here.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo said the Golden Jubilee commemorations were an opportune time for the country to reflect on triumphs and challenges faced since attaining independence, as well as plan for the next 50 years.
“During these 50 years, there have been many achievements, but there are also challenges and we will continue to work.
“We will assess what the past 50 years have been and plan for the next 50 years,” he said during an inspection visit to Machava Stadium.
President Chapo also rallied the people of Mozambique to join in the celebrations, with at least 40 000 expected to attend.
“I would like to take this opportunity to invite the Mozambican population, from Rovuma to Maputo and from Zumbo to the Indian Ocean, and in particular Greater Maputo, so that on June 25, all roads lead here to Machava Stadium, which has been completely refurbished,” he said.
Mozambique and Zimbabwe enjoy cordial bilateral relations, which date back to the days of the liberation struggle.
Several veterans of the liberation struggle fought side by side with their FRELIMO counterparts until Zimbabwe became free.
On Monday, Zimbabwe buried one such fighter, Cde Luke Mushore, affectionately known as Cde Dick Joboringo, a revered national hero who fought alongside his Mozambique comrades.
Later in the Zimbabwean struggle, principally after 1978, FRELIMO fighters deployed alongside ZANLA fighters and paid the ultimate price on Zimbabwean soil.
Some of their remains have since been repatriated home for reburial.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira and Deputy Chief Secretary (Presidential Communications) Mr George Charamba, among other senior Government officials.
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