HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabweans, particularly young people, to actively visit liberation war shrines and historic sites as a way of deepening their understanding of the sacrifices that underpinned the country’s independence and sovereignty.
The President made the call while addressing mourners at the burial of the late Brigadier General (Retired) Mark Charles Chimwaza, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Mnangagwa said the preservation of national memory was essential, warning that future generations risk becoming detached from the country’s history if deliberate efforts are not made to keep the liberation narrative alive.
He stressed that liberation war shrines are not merely symbolic monuments but important learning spaces that capture the lived experiences of those who fought and supported the struggle. According to Mnangagwa, these sites offer invaluable lessons on courage, sacrifice and unity, values he said remain relevant to Zimbabwe’s present and future.
“I urge more of our people, especially the youths across all levels, to deliberately visit various historic liberation war shrines. This will provide insights into what the young people of yesteryear endured to bring about the freedom, sovereignty and independence which we must never take for granted,” Mnangagwa said.
The President emphasised that the liberation struggle was a collective national effort that cut across geographical and social divides. He noted that both rural and urban communities played critical roles, whether through direct participation in combat, logistical support or political mobilisation.
President Mnangagwa Encourages Youths to Engage With Liberation War Heritage
“The youth, along with the rest of our rural and urban populations, made conscious decisions to fight or support the liberation struggle,” he said, adding that these choices were often made at great personal risk. “Many sacrificed their education, livelihoods and even their lives so that Zimbabwe could be free.”
Mnangagwa said it was important for young people today, most of whom were born after independence, to appreciate that the freedoms they enjoy were hard won. He warned against complacency and historical amnesia, saying independence should never be treated as an abstract concept or a given.
He further encouraged schools, youth organisations and community leaders to play a more active role in organising educational visits to national shrines and former battle sites. Such initiatives, he said, would complement classroom learning and help young Zimbabweans connect emotionally and intellectually with their history.
The President also used the occasion to reflect on the life and contribution of Brigadier General (Rtd) Chimwaza, describing him as a dedicated cadre who embodied the values of patriotism, discipline and selflessness. He said Chimwaza’s role in the liberation struggle and subsequent service to the nation should inspire both current and future generations.
Mnangagwa said honouring fallen heroes and heroines should go beyond ceremonial events, urging Zimbabweans to demonstrate their respect through actions that promote unity, peace and national development. He noted that the ideals of the liberation struggle remain relevant as the country continues to pursue economic growth, social justice and sovereignty.
“We all have a collective responsibility to build on the foundations laid by our liberation heroes and heroines,” he said. “Defending our independence also means working tirelessly to advance our national development aspirations.”
The President called on youths to channel the spirit of sacrifice shown during the liberation struggle into productive endeavours, including innovation, entrepreneurship and community development. He said the same determination that drove young people to take up arms against colonialism should now be applied to overcoming modern challenges such as unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment.
Mnangagwa also reiterated the importance of unity, saying the liberation struggle succeeded because Zimbabweans stood together despite differences. He urged young people to reject divisions and instead embrace shared national values rooted in the liberation history.
As Zimbabwe continues to promote heritage-based education and national identity programmes, Mnangagwa said visiting liberation war shrines should be seen as a patriotic duty rather than a symbolic gesture. He concluded by urging all Zimbabweans, particularly the youth, to safeguard the country’s history and use its lessons as a guide for building a prosperous and sovereign nation.
