President Mnangagwa yesterday unveiled Kamungoma Memorial site in Gutu to honour the brave men and women who fought for the country’s independence and paid the ultimate price at the hands of the colonial regime.
He was accompanied by his two Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, Minister of Home Affairs Hon K Kazembe and a number of government officials.
He spoke about the suffering that Zimbabweans experienced under white rule.
“The arrogance and the disregard of the rights of the black majority were so brutal to the extent that Ian Smith did not believe that the black majority will ever rule in 1000 years but look at us now.
“The British took a lot of gold from our chiefs and used it to build their own country,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa explained how the first Chimurenga, including the role of Mbuya Nehanda, was a response to colonial rule and oppression.
“Before she was hanged, Mbuya Nehanda famously said, ‘mapfupa angu achamuka’ (‘my bones will rise again’), which inspired further resistance and ultimately the second Chimurenga,” said President Mnangagwa.
In addition, President Mnangagwa stated that the memorial honors the 105 people who lost their lives at the hands of the British colonial regime, many of whom were innocent civilians who had never opposed the government.
“At this monument as we have heard, 105 people died, people who had never challenged the colonial authorities.
“They were ordinary villagers but they were massacred by the British.
“We are forever grateful to our gallant sons and daughters whose political conscieness, visions saw us fighting the settler regime.
“I commend the Chimbwido and Mujiba who bravely and courageously undertook the dangerous task, I thank you for your tirelessly effort”, he said.
Vice President Chiwenga commended President Mnangagwa for his role in organizing the commemorative event.
“I would like to thank President Mnangagwa for his leadership and dedication in organizing this event.
“As the President noted, it is important to document our history for the benefit of future generations,” said Vice President Chiwenga.
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe, whose ministry constructed the Kamungoma site, said that Kamungoma is one of many sites that symbolize the painful struggle for independence, where innocent Zimbabweans were killed while helping to shelter and feed freedom fighters.
“Kamungoma is one of the many sites in Zimbabwe that hold the painful memories of our fight for independence, where innocent Zimbabweans were killed as they provided shelter and food for our freedom fighters,” said Hon Kazembe.
Furthermore, he added that his Ministry is aligning with the National Development Strategy 1 in building national shrines.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs your Excellency, as part of the NDS1 and directed by you, is responsible for the identification and construction of this shrines associated with 1st and 2nd Chimurenga in remembrance by those who sacrificed and fought for our independence,” he said.
President Mnangagwa honored 33 survivors of the Kamungoma massacre and presented them with groceries and land.
Zimbabweans are preparing to commemorate 44 years of independence with celebrations in Murambinda.
Story by Farirai Mutumburanzou
