Former ZPRA Commander has issued a heartfelt appeal to the government, urging it to urgently address the deteriorating condition of graves belonging to fallen liberation war heroes scattered across various operational zones. Andrew Ndlovu, who served as the Northern Front 2 Regional Zone commander during Zimbabwe’s war of independence, has expressed deep concern over the state of these sacred burial sites, many of which have been left to weather and neglect.
In a detailed letter addressed to Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, Monica Mavhunga, Ndlovu lamented the government’s apparent inaction in prioritizing the reburial and preservation of these graves. His appeal comes amid growing reports that many graves are eroding, with some having been completely washed away by rains and natural elements.
ZPRA Commander explained that he and other former commanders recently visited several grave sites in his former operational region and were devastated by the level of neglect. “If the situation is not attended to while we are still alive as commanders of the liberation struggle, our comrades’ bones will never rest in peace and their spirits will haunt us forever,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the matter. His words reflect a deep respect for those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Zimbabwe’s freedom and the need to honour their memory appropriately.
Beyond the immediate issue of physical gravesites, Ndlovu also called on the government to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of the peasants and rural communities that supported the liberation movement. Many villagers who aided freedom fighters during the war lost their lives or property, yet their sacrifices have often gone unacknowledged. “I am requesting that the graves of villagers who died in support of the war effort be formally recognised, and their families be pensioned for lost property,” ZPRA Commander urged. This call highlights a broader issue of how the liberation war’s legacy is commemorated, extending beyond combatants to include civilians who played crucial roles.
Former ZPRA Commander Calls for Urgent Action on Neglected Liberation War Graves
The demand to properly care for and rebury fallen liberation heroes is not new. In 2024, the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) petitioned Parliament to fast-track legislation facilitating the exhumation and reburial of ex-combatants buried in mass graves outside Zimbabwe, primarily in Zambia and Mozambique. Many freedom fighters were laid to rest in these neighbouring countries, where training camps and battlefronts were established during the war. The ZNLWVA has consistently called for the repatriation of these remains to Zimbabwe, so they can be honoured in national hero sites or other appropriate memorials.
Last year, the ZNLWVA once again petitioned Parliament, urging lawmakers to exercise their powers to ensure that the remains of liberation war veterans buried abroad are returned home for dignified reburial. These calls underscore a national desire to preserve the dignity and memory of those who fought for the country’s independence.
Some progress has been made. In 2020, the remains of 11 suspected freedom fighters were exhumed in Mutoko district and reburied at the Kapondoro Heroes Acre in Mutoko East constituency. This district was a major hotspot during the liberation struggle due to its proximity to Mozambique, where many youths received military training to fight the Ian Smith regime. The successful repatriation and reburial of these fighters provided a meaningful example of how the government and communities can work together to honour the war’s legacy.
Despite such efforts, many graves across Zimbabwe remain vulnerable. The impact of natural elements, combined with the passage of time and a lack of formal maintenance, means that numerous sites are fading from the landscape and public consciousness. This loss is not merely physical but also cultural and historical, as it erodes a vital link to the country’s struggle for freedom.
Veterans like Andrew ZPRA Commander believe that addressing this challenge is a matter of respect and justice, not just for the fallen but for future generations. Preserving these graves and giving proper recognition to all who contributed to the liberation struggle is essential to maintaining national identity and pride. It also ensures that the sacrifices made are never forgotten.
In his appeal, ZPRA Commander emphasized the importance of acting swiftly. With many former commanders and veterans advancing in age, time is of the essence to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place. The issue transcends politics and partisanship—it is about honouring the past and safeguarding the dignity of Zimbabwe’s heroes.
As Zimbabwe continues to reflect on its liberation history, the calls for action on neglected graves and proper reburials serve as a powerful reminder of the need for collective responsibility. The memories of those who fought and died for independence deserve to be enshrined with dignity, care, and reverence, ensuring their legacy remains a source of inspiration and unity for the nation.
Source- Newsday
