Source: VP Chiwenga to light Independence Flame in Beitbridge – herald
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
VICE President Constantino Chiwenga is expected to arrive in Beitbridge this morning, where he will officiate at the lighting of the Independence Flame at Juliet (Zezani) Assembly Point before a large crowd of community members drawn from across Matabeleland South Province.
The lighting ceremony marks the beginning of the Independence Flame road show, which will traverse the province’s seven districts before culminating at the national celebrations in Maphisa Growth Point, Matobo District.
Lighting the flame symbolises freedom and unity, igniting a sense of national pride.
Chairperson of the Beitbridge State Functions Committee, Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu, who is also the District Development Co-ordinator, said all logistical arrangements at the venue had been finalised.
“We are ready to receive the Vice President (VP Chiwenga). Our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure that Zezani Assembly Point is transformed and that we have flawless celebrations,” said Mrs Mafu.
“We have deployed all our sub-committees on the ground, and I am happy with the level of preparedness.
“In addition, we have arranged buses to transport community members from all wards so that they can be part of this historic celebration.
“We are proud to host this momentous occasion and showcase our district’s spirit and unity as we edge closer to hosting the national Independence celebrations in Matobo District.”
Mrs Mafu encouraged community members to gather in large numbers to witness the historic event as Government continues to document and preserve the country’s liberation war heritage.
Officially known as Juliet Assembly Point, the historic site played a crucial role during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, serving as a gathering point for ZIPRA and ZANLA forces under Commonwealth supervision.
The site, which is the only assembly point in the province and one of 16 such centres countrywide, is located at the former Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) campsite and is now being developed by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ).
Work on the monument, which features an Independence Flame stand, flagpoles, a metal silhouette of a soldier, an interpretive house and an interpretive board, has since been completed.
Zimbabwe’s final chapter of the liberation struggle was negotiated at the Lancaster House Conference, held between September 10 and December 15, 1979.
Described by many historians as the “Last Funeral Parlour” of the British Empire, the conference resolved that assembly points would be established.
These assembly points served as rendezvous centres to facilitate the demobilisation of thousands of freedom fighters.
The purpose was to ensure that freedom fighters registered their names, surrendered their weapons and recorded the serial numbers of those weapons, with periodic checks conducted by commanders of the Patriotic Front, composed of ZANLA and ZIPRA forces.
At the time, Commonwealth forces deployed 1 500 peacekeepers, including 150 Australians, 22 Fijians, 50 Kenyans and 75 New Zealanders.
Britain provided 800 soldiers, including 300 from the Royal Air Force, with a small contingent drawn from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
The post VP Chiwenga to light Independence Flame in Beitbridge appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.