Maputo — The Mozambican government has confirmed that Zimbabwe has commenced an official inventory of historical sites and memorials dedicated to Zimbabwean citizens who lost their lives on Mozambican soil during the liberation struggle against colonial rule. The initiative was announced by Mozambican Prime Minister Benvinda Levi during a press briefing on Monday, following a courtesy meeting with Zimbabwe’s Deputy President, Kembo Dugish Mohadi, in Maputo.
Zimbabwe achieved independence from British colonial rule on April 18, 1980, after a protracted and often brutal struggle. During this period, numerous Zimbabwean freedom fighters, activists, and civilians sought refuge in neighbouring Mozambique. Many settled in the central Manica province, which shares a porous border with Zimbabwe, using it as a base for operations and safe havens. The region became a critical theatre in the broader liberation movement, hosting training camps, medical facilities, and other support networks for the fighters.
Prime Minister Levi explained that the Zimbabwean delegation’s mission is focused on cataloguing monuments and memorials constructed to honour the sacrifices of Zimbabwean nationals who died in Mozambique. “The Deputy President came to Mozambique on a mission related to the monuments built here to commemorate the deaths of Zimbabwean citizens,” Levi told reporters.
The Mozambican leader added that the delegation would be accompanied by specialists, including archaeologists and heritage experts, who will document and gather detailed information about the sites. The goal is to provide Zimbabweans with a deeper understanding of the historical journey toward their country’s independence. By consolidating this information, Zimbabwe aims to preserve the legacy of its liberation struggle while promoting historical awareness among current and future generations.
Zimbabwe Launches Inventory of Historical Sites in Mozambique to Honour Liberation Heroes
Deputy President Mohadi emphasised the broader significance of the visit. He noted that the discussions extended beyond historical preservation to encompass efforts to improve economic and social cooperation between the two countries. “During the meeting, both countries discussed several issues, highlighting our concern for creating better conditions for both peoples, Mozambicans and Zimbabweans,” he said.
Mohadi further stressed the importance of translating political independence into economic empowerment. “We also discussed what we should do to improve the lives of our people economically; and we emphasised that, yes, we have our independence, we have our parliaments, we have our judiciary. But what we still don’t have is economic independence,” he said.
The initiative is widely seen as a timely effort to acknowledge the enduring sacrifices made by Zimbabweans during the liberation era. Memorials in Mozambique, some of which have existed for decades, mark sites where lives were lost and serve as tangible reminders of the human cost of achieving independence. The inventory will ensure that these historical markers are properly documented, preserved, and integrated into educational and commemorative programmes in Zimbabwe.
Experts accompanying the delegation will employ modern documentation techniques, including GPS mapping, photographic surveys, and archival research, to create a comprehensive record of each site. This effort will allow Zimbabwean authorities to maintain an accurate historical archive and potentially enhance heritage tourism opportunities for both countries.
The collaboration between Zimbabwe and Mozambique underscores the close historical, cultural, and political ties that have endured since the liberation struggle. Mozambique played a critical role in supporting Zimbabwean freedom fighters, providing safe havens and logistical assistance. The joint effort to preserve historical sites is not only a tribute to the past but also a reaffirmation of bilateral cooperation in contemporary governance, security, and economic development.
In addition to the historical preservation agenda, the meeting between Deputy President Mohadi and Prime Minister Levi highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve cross-border trade, infrastructure development, and social welfare. Both leaders acknowledged that while political sovereignty has been achieved, the pursuit of economic independence remains a key priority for the two nations.
By cataloguing and preserving sites of historical significance in Mozambique, Zimbabwe is taking an important step toward honouring the legacy of its liberation struggle. The project aims to instill national pride, educate citizens about the sacrifices that secured their freedom, and strengthen regional ties with Mozambique. As the inventory progresses, it is expected to provide a lasting record of the bravery, resilience,
Source- AllAfrica
