The ManicaPost
News Editor
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, will today (Friday) lead a delegation to Chimoio and Beira in Mozambique to lay wreaths at the shrines as a precursor to this year’s Heroes’ and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations.
The delegation will first visit the Chimoio Shrines and sleep over there before proceeding to Nyangao Shrines just outside the Port City of Beira.
“Manicaland Province is the custodian of the shrines in Mozambique and as per tradition, we will be visiting the Chimoio and Nyangao shrines to lay wreaths. As a province, we decided to visit the shrines days before the local commemorations to pay respect to the fallen heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle buried in the neighbouring country.
“Some people are quick to say that we will be going there for rituals, but it is our duty to remember some of our dear friends who were butchered by the brutal Ian Smith regime during the liberation struggle. We will never have stability in this country as long as the souls of our departed comrades are not resting,” she said.
An advance team of youths left early this week to clear the overgrown grass at the shrines.
“Our shrines are suffering from neglect. The shrine caretakers are living in squalid conditions and something should be done to improve their welfare.
“We also call upon the relevant authorities in the country to facilitate the maintenance of the road that leads to the Chimoio Shrines which was badly damaged by the heavy rains which were received in Mozambique.
“This year’s celebrations will be a bit different as we will be joined by our counterparts from Mashonaland Central as well as a Mozambican delegation,” said Cde Chimene.
