The ManicaPost
MONDAY, August 9, 1976 is remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of this country as more than 600 ZANLA cadres were massacred by the brutal Rhodesian Forces at Nyadzonia Camp in Mozambique.
This unforgettable day gave birth to the Heroes’ and Zimbabwe Defence Forces commemorations the country will be marking on August 9 and 10, 2021, respectively.
The Rhodesian masterminded Operation Eland that left a trail of destruction in Mozambique which was housing ZANLA Forces’ training bases, further spurred the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe to take the bull by its horns and ensure a liberated Zimbabwe in 1980.
In a country that obtained its independence through the barrel of the gun, veterans of the liberation struggle are the backbone of that nation. Without their supreme sacrifice, there would be no Zimbabwe to talk about.
After the 1976 Nyadzonia massacre, the late Rhodesian prime minister, Mr Ian Douglas Smith, even had the temerity to declare that there would not be black rule in Zimbabwe for 1 000 years.
However, three years down the line, Mr Smith was forced to eat a humble pie and lick wounds of defeat as our liberation war veterans had put their lives on hold to successfully wage the liberation struggle.
We salute, honour and pay tribute to them for their resolute defiance against colonial oppression. Their bravery, courage and valour must serve as an inspiration and encouragement to us all as we journey towards a better and brighter Zimbabwe.
As we commemorate this year’s Heroes’ and Defence Forces Days, it is time to reflect on the pain and suffering the liberation war veterans endured to ensure a free Zimbabwe which is now the envy of many nations due to the peace and tranquillity prevailing.
Many veterans of the liberation struggle had to endure hunger, loss and pain; but still they fought with a purpose, willing to give the ultimate sacrifice.
We should all acknowledge their service and display our gratitude as much as possible because they are our history, our real heroes.
We should all honour their sacrifice.
We should also recognise and honour all those ordinary everyday heroes and heroines — the villagers, men, women, boys and girls who contributed in their own ways, towards the liberation war effort.
Over the years, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have transformed itself into one of the most dedicated forces after several peace-keeping missions across Africa.
ZDF personnel left a mark in Mozambique, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo during peace-keeping missions as a result of their discipline and dedication to duty, traits which have their roots in the nation’s liberation struggle.
On home soil, not only do our veterans protect our rights and freedoms, but they provide services and aid to those in need.
Annually, the ZDF rolls out the Community Assistance Week where the military embarks on several projects to assist communities in line with its constitutional mandate to protect Zimbabwe, its people, national security, interests and territorial integrity.
Through this programme, schools, clinics, roads and bridges have been constructed.
Indeed, the military is heavily engaged in humanitarian operations.
During the March 2019 Cyclone Idai disaster, Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopters rescued some of the victims and air-dropped food aid in some inaccessible areas.
The caring and selfless spirit of our past and present veterans is certainly appreciated by all peace-loving Zimbabweans.
Violence, discord, disunity, hatred, divisions, discrimination, tribalism, regionalism and corruption have no place in the new Zimbabwe.
Mutual respect, love, equality, peace, commitment, loyalty, co-operation and harmony must now be the order of the day.
These values must be engraved in our nationhood as they are an indispensable trait in our DNA So we say thank you dear veterans, both past and present, for your service.
Your efforts will never be forgotten.
Just as you have shaped our history, you will shape our future and together in unity, we will make Zimbabwe great.
