VICE President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga officially lit and handed over the independence flame to the Midlands province this Thursday, setting the stage for the display of the flame across the province which hosts this year’s Uhuru celebrations.
In his remarks, VP Chiwenga says the independence flame is a constant reminder of the need for Zimbabweans to respect the ethos of the liberation struggle which binds the nation together going forward.
“The Independence Flame we light today represents the spirit and undying hope which guided our struggle for freedom. It symbolises the resilience and determination of the Zimbabwean people, including their resolve to win and defend their sovereignty by all means necessary.
“As we celebrate 45 years of independence, we acknowledge our progress as a people and the challenges that remain. It embodies the promise that, despite the challenges we face, our commitment to uphold the ideals of our liberation will never waver. The Independence Flame, too represents the spirit of unity, hope, and determination that has fueled our journey as a nation,” he said.
The lighting of the independence flame at the historical monument is significant as the Mtapa Hall hosted the ZANU congress of 1964 which came with a resolution for the commencement of an armed struggle against the white settler regime.
The Midlands provincial leadership welcomed the independence flame, while some government ministers who attended the occasion at Mtapa Hall in Gweru, weighed in saying the country’s independence should be cherished as it came through a gruelling war where sons and daughters of the soil lost their lives.
“This flame is a symbol of supreme sacrifice and resilience by the veterans of the liberation struggle.
Let us cherish what the living and those who lost their lives sacrifices which brought what we enjoy to this very day,” Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Monica Mavhunga said.
“This occasion not only marks a significant moment in our national calendar, but also serves as a vibrant reminder of our shared history, resilience, and the enduring spirit of our people. Independence is not merely a date on our calendar, it is a living legacy that embodies our shared struggles, triumphs, and aspirations as a nation.
It beckons us to reflect on our progress and to celebrate our achievements.
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold the values of unity, peace, and cultural heritage that bind us as a nation,” Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Hon Kazembe Kazembe added.
Mtapa Hall is one of the infrastructures being transformed into a national monument as the Midlands province hosts this year’s independence celebrations.
From this launch, the independence flame is set to be taken to Mberengwa district and will be paraded across the province until it reaches Sikombela where it will be lit by Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Kembo Mohadi on the 17th of April before being taken to Mutora Business Centre in Gokwe North for national independence celebrations.
This year’s independence celebrations are being held under the theme: Zim @45 Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030.
