Source: Zimbabwe-Zambia ties unbreakable — VP Mohadi – herald
Thupeyo Muleya in Luangwa, Zambia
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has emphasised that the relationship between Zimbabwe and Zambia that is steeped in the history of the liberation struggle is unbreakable and must be preserved as the two nations do not only share borders but a common history.
He made these remarks yesterday during the Kavalamanja/Kakaro commemorations in Luangwa District, Zambia.
“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 peoples in the struggle for freedom and independence.It is a great honour for me to join the Government and People of the Republic of Zambia on this solemn occasion to remember the sacrifices made 40 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,” he said.
VP Mohadi expressed his sadness that it was not only a battalion of Zambians but also the lives of both Zambian and Zimbabwean civilians that were lost.
“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 peoples 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 added.
The Vice-President honoured the sacrifices made by brave sons and daughters of both countries who lost their lives in the 1978 attack by the Rhodesian Security Forces during the Kavalamanja Battle.
The commemorations are held by the two governments every first week of March to remember the fallen heroes, including Zambian civilians who were killed in the Kakaro area in the same year by the colonial regime.
VP Mohadi officiated at the commemorations, which were jointly organised by the two countries in Zambia between Friday and Saturday.
He highlighted Zambia’s significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, noting that Zambia hosted liberation movements such as ZAPU and ZANU.
VP Mohadi also announced Zimbabwe’s initiative to rehabilitate and preserve war heritage shrines, including Kavalamanja/Kakaro, Freedom Camp, and St Mary’s Cemetery.
He said the Government would drill boreholes for the shrine and the local community, address mass graves, and erect interactive panels to preserve history.
VP Mohadi emphasised that as a member of the Frontline State, Zambia hosted most of the Southern African liberation movements, including ZAPU and ZANU of Zimbabwe, SWAPO of Namibia, and the ANC of South Africa, among others.
He stated that Zimbabwe would forever be indebted to Zambia for its courage, love, and brotherhood in the face of adversity.
The Vice-President added that the Government was conscious of the fact that the remains of many of Zimbabwe’s gallant sons and daughters lie scattered across Zambia and commended the neighbouring country for its efforts in 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, Mkushi Girls Camp, and St Mary’s Cemetery, among other sites in Zambia.
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,” he said.
In 2023, the Government funded the construction of a classroom block at Kavalamanja Primary School in honour of Zambia’s support during the liberation war.
VP Mohadi stated that plans were underway to address the mass graves on site, erect interactive panels at key locations such as the Anti-Air position, bomb explosion site, former camp clinic, and Captain Kalima’s trench, to ensure that the rich history of the site is passed on to future generations.
He added that the Government, through the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, would undertake preservation work on the liberation shrines in Zambia later this year.
“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 candlelit ceremony held yesterday at Kakaro.
“These commemorations are a vital 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,” said VP Mohadi.
Zambia’s Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma, expressed gratitude for Zimbabwe’s continued support in the commemorations and efforts to restore and rehabilitate the many shrines that symbolise the shared history of struggle between the two nations.He described VP Mohadi’s visit as a testament to Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening relations and honouring their historical ties.
Minister Lufuma also reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to uplifting the lives of those scarred by the liberation struggle across the SADC region.
“It has been nearly five decades since we lost our brothers and sisters in this fight against colonial rule, and today we are honoured to have the Vice President of Zimbabwe with us. This demonstrates our serious dedication to preserving our rich history,” he said.
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