Recent findings have unveiled a heartbreaking situation concerning the graveyards of liberation war heroes, particularly in Zambia and Mozambique, where sacred sites have fallen victim to encroaching agricultural activities. These distressing details emerged from a report presented by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services, and War Veterans’ Affairs, led by Beitbridge East MP Albert Nguluvhe. The report was initiated in response to a petition by war veteran Sam Parerenyatwa, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The committee’s investigation revealed that many external shrines dedicated to the heroes of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle are in a state of disrepair. Alarmingly, one graveyard in Zambia has been converted into a farm, with remains of fallen heroes exposed and stockpiled at the gravesite. This situation raises serious ethical and cultural concerns, as the resting places of these individuals should be treated with the utmost respect. Parerenyatwa’s petition emphasized the critical need to repatriate the remains of these veterans back to Zimbabwe, underlining the emotional and national significance of honoring their sacrifices appropriately.
In light of these findings, war veterans have urged Parliament to take decisive action by establishing a dedicated fund for the repatriation and reburial of ex-combatants. Many of these veterans were interred in mass, shallow, or unmarked graves across notable sites in Zambia and Mozambique, including Mkushi, Freedom Camp, Nyadzonia, Tembwe, and Chimoio. Nguluvhe has called on the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, through the Department of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, to expedite the exhumation and repatriation processes. He stated, “The Ministry should be allocated adequate funding for exhumations and reburials,” recognizing the urgency of ensuring these heroes receive a dignified resting place.
The committee’s report further advocates for the creation of a dedicated fund for exhumations and reburials through an appropriate Act of Parliament. This would require the Treasury to allocate the necessary funds for these efforts by December 31, 2025, ensuring that the remains of the heroes can be properly honored. Additionally, the report stresses the need for prompt funeral assistance when a veteran is declared a hero, suggesting that support should be provided within three days of the notification of death. This measure would help ensure that the dignity of the veterans is maintained even in death.
Despite these recommendations, the Home Affairs Ministry faces significant challenges, primarily a lack of funding that has stymied the department’s ability to fulfill its mandate. The report noted, “Over the years, there has been stagnation in development and maintenance programs due to insufficient funding for the Liberation Heritage Programme.” This stagnation complicates efforts to maintain and honor the memory of those who fought for freedom. The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion has also been urged to enhance the capacity of the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe. This enhancement would involve recruiting adequate personnel to care for heroes’ shrines, both domestically and internationally.
The need for such measures has gained urgency, especially in light of recent events in South Africa, which successfully repatriated the remains of 49 liberation fighters who died in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia. These actions underscore a broader commitment to honor and remember those who sacrificed their lives in the liberation struggle. A policy shift is also on the horizon, as the secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry indicated the necessity of revisiting a decision made in the 1990s. This decision had stipulated that remains should be exhumed and interred in central locations within various camps abroad. A reevaluation could lead to more appropriate handling of the remains of these heroes.
The distressing revelations about the state of liberation war heroes’ graves in Zambia and Mozambique call for immediate and sustained action from the Zimbabwean government and its institutions. The proposed measures to establish a dedicated fund, expedite exhumations, and enhance the capacity for memorial care are vital steps toward honoring the sacrifices made by these veterans. As the nation grapples with these issues, it remains imperative to ensure that the memory of those who fought for freedom is preserved with the dignity and respect they rightfully deserve.
In other news – Cardi B addresses infidelity and Offset’s neglect in heated social media exchange
In a candid Instagram Live session, Cardi B opened up about her tumultuous relationship with rapper Offset, revealing that she had an affair while pregnant with their third child due to his ongoing neglect. The exchange follows a series of heated comments between the estranged couple on social media platforms, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Cardi, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, expressed her frustrations, stating, “Offset was cheating on me for seven years with different girls, and I acted normal. I cheated on him once because he neglected me when I was pregnant with his child.” Read More
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
