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Chiwenga to light Independence Day flame in Beitbridge
2 hrs ago |
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Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Albert Nguluvhe recently conducted an inspection of key legacy projects in Beitbridge, as preparations ramp up for this year's Independence Day celebrations in Matobo District.
A focal point of the tour was the historic Zezani Assembly Point, also known as Juliet Assembly Point, where ZIPRA and ZANLA combatants gathered under the supervision of Commonwealth forces during the 1979 Lancaster House Conference. Zezani is the only assembly point in Matabeleland South and one of 16 nationwide, established as part of the ceasefire arrangements leading to Zimbabwe's independence.
The heritage site, located on the former Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) campsite, is being developed by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ). Upgrades include an interpretive house, an interpretive board, flagpoles, an Independence flame stand, and a metal silhouette of a soldier with an AK47, symbolising the victory over colonial rule.
Project supervisors confirmed that the upgrades are on schedule for completion by the first week of April.
The site will play a central role in national commemorations, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga expected to light the Independence flame at Zezani on April 10, after which it will travel through all seven districts of Matabeleland South before arriving in Matobo for the 46th Independence celebrations.
Nguluvhe highlighted the historical importance of the site, saying:
"This is a very critical point, which was established during the ceasefire as we fought for our liberation from colonial rule."
NMMZ curator Stanley Nyamagodo expressed confidence in the project's progress:
"We are grateful for the support we are getting on the ground, and we are confident that we will complete this project within our set time frame of April 5."
A focal point of the tour was the historic Zezani Assembly Point, also known as Juliet Assembly Point, where ZIPRA and ZANLA combatants gathered under the supervision of Commonwealth forces during the 1979 Lancaster House Conference. Zezani is the only assembly point in Matabeleland South and one of 16 nationwide, established as part of the ceasefire arrangements leading to Zimbabwe's independence.
The heritage site, located on the former Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) campsite, is being developed by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ). Upgrades include an interpretive house, an interpretive board, flagpoles, an Independence flame stand, and a metal silhouette of a soldier with an AK47, symbolising the victory over colonial rule.
The site will play a central role in national commemorations, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga expected to light the Independence flame at Zezani on April 10, after which it will travel through all seven districts of Matabeleland South before arriving in Matobo for the 46th Independence celebrations.
Nguluvhe highlighted the historical importance of the site, saying:
"This is a very critical point, which was established during the ceasefire as we fought for our liberation from colonial rule."
NMMZ curator Stanley Nyamagodo expressed confidence in the project's progress:
"We are grateful for the support we are getting on the ground, and we are confident that we will complete this project within our set time frame of April 5."
Source - Southern Eye
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