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Mnangagwa set for Mozambique Golden Jubilee celebrations
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa will tomorrow join fellow Heads of State and Government at Machava Stadium in Maputo for Mozambique's Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since the country's independence from Portuguese colonial rule.
The celebrations will be held at the iconic stadium where Mozambique's founding President, Samora Machel, declared independence on June 25, 1975. Over 40,000 people are expected to attend the milestone event, which will highlight the nation's journey from colonial subjugation to sovereignty.
Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemadanda, described the anniversary as a shared triumph for the region, especially given the historical and strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
"Fifty years is a milestone not only for Mozambique but also for Zimbabwe and the entire Sadc region," Ambassador Matemadanda told reporters in Maputo. "Our liberation struggle was intertwined. Mozambique gave refuge and support to Zimbabwe's freedom fighters, and their sacrifices contributed directly to our independence."
He said President Mnangagwa's participation at the event is a reaffirmation of enduring solidarity and mutual respect between the two nations.
"Zimbabwe is participating, obviously, as an all-weather friend. The coming of the President is an assurance to the people of Mozambique that we are still together, just as we were during the liberation struggle," said Ambassador Matemadanda.
Mozambique, which has faced various post-independence challenges including civil war and recent insurgencies, continues to receive security support from regional allies, including Zimbabwe.
"The continued presence of Zimbabwe becomes a security assurance, considering our history of helping each other. Mozambique has also supported us in economic and political areas," the ambassador said.
Reflecting on the brutal nature of Portuguese colonialism, Matemadanda praised Mozambique's resilience in building a sovereign and democratic state.
"There was a time when colonialists never believed Africans could govern themselves, especially under Portuguese rule which was ruthless and oppressive. But Mozambique has defied that notion."
He lauded the nation's democratic trajectory, which has seen a peaceful transition of leadership from Samora Machel to Joachim Chissano, Armando Guebuza, Filipe Nyusi, and now President Daniel Chapo.
"This is a democratic process that is unfolding in what some had written off as a backward nation. Mozambique has demonstrated maturity and continuity, offering even the so-called advanced nations lessons in governance," said Matemadanda.
The 50th independence celebrations are expected to further cement bilateral and regional cooperation, reaffirming the historical bonds forged in the trenches of Africa's anti-colonial resistance.
The celebrations will be held at the iconic stadium where Mozambique's founding President, Samora Machel, declared independence on June 25, 1975. Over 40,000 people are expected to attend the milestone event, which will highlight the nation's journey from colonial subjugation to sovereignty.
Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemadanda, described the anniversary as a shared triumph for the region, especially given the historical and strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
"Fifty years is a milestone not only for Mozambique but also for Zimbabwe and the entire Sadc region," Ambassador Matemadanda told reporters in Maputo. "Our liberation struggle was intertwined. Mozambique gave refuge and support to Zimbabwe's freedom fighters, and their sacrifices contributed directly to our independence."
He said President Mnangagwa's participation at the event is a reaffirmation of enduring solidarity and mutual respect between the two nations.
"Zimbabwe is participating, obviously, as an all-weather friend. The coming of the President is an assurance to the people of Mozambique that we are still together, just as we were during the liberation struggle," said Ambassador Matemadanda.
"The continued presence of Zimbabwe becomes a security assurance, considering our history of helping each other. Mozambique has also supported us in economic and political areas," the ambassador said.
Reflecting on the brutal nature of Portuguese colonialism, Matemadanda praised Mozambique's resilience in building a sovereign and democratic state.
"There was a time when colonialists never believed Africans could govern themselves, especially under Portuguese rule which was ruthless and oppressive. But Mozambique has defied that notion."
He lauded the nation's democratic trajectory, which has seen a peaceful transition of leadership from Samora Machel to Joachim Chissano, Armando Guebuza, Filipe Nyusi, and now President Daniel Chapo.
"This is a democratic process that is unfolding in what some had written off as a backward nation. Mozambique has demonstrated maturity and continuity, offering even the so-called advanced nations lessons in governance," said Matemadanda.
The 50th independence celebrations are expected to further cement bilateral and regional cooperation, reaffirming the historical bonds forged in the trenches of Africa's anti-colonial resistance.
Source - The Herald
