Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE ruling Zanu PF party continues to preserve the legacy of the Chinhoyi Seven following the erection of a monument at Chinhoyi University of Technology in honour of the seven pioneering freedom fighters, as the country marks 60 years since the historic battle.
President Mnangagwa officially commissioned the monument on Saturday as part of efforts to preserve the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and honour the sacrifices made by those who took up arms against colonial rule.
The commissioning coincided with the launch of the 2026/2027 National Tree Planting Season, during which the President, his two deputies, the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, and other senior party officials planted trees in memory of the fallen heroes.
Zanu PF Mashonaland West chairman, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka and Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Cde Marian Chombo thanked President Mnangagwa for continuously remembering the Chinhoyi Seven.
“This is a befitting honour to the fallen seven, and the monument will go a long way in protecting their legacy, while at the same time, teaching and encouraging tree planting among all,” said Cde Mliswa-Chikoka
“We are honoured as Mashonaland West to host the 23rd National People’s Conference. As we go beyond the conference, we are confident that the gains go beyond the conference. Let us rally behind the President and First Lady towards greening our environments.”
The Chinhoyi Seven: Cdes Simon Chingozho Nyandoro, Christopher Chatambudza, Godwin Manyerenyere, David Guzuzu, Arthur Maramba, Godfrey Dube and Chubby Savanhu lost their lives during the Battle of Chinhoyi on April 28, 1966.
The battle is widely recognised as a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s liberation history, marking one of the earliest major armed confrontations of the Second Chimurenga and signalling a decisive shift towards armed resistance against colonial rule.
The monument features engraved plaques and historical information documenting the liberation struggle and commemorating the seven fighters whose sacrifice helped shape the country’s quest for independence.
Its commissioning also provides an opportunity for younger generations to learn about the country’s liberation history and appreciate the courage and determination of those who challenged the colonial system.
The monument further recognises President Mnangagwa’s contribution to the liberation struggle as a member of the Crocodile Gang, a group of young nationalists involved in acts of sabotage against the Rhodesian colonial administration.
In 1964, the group participated in the bombing of a Rhodesian locomotive in Fort Victoria, now Masvingo, as part of efforts to undermine the colonial system.
The President was also known by several war-era names, including Trabablas, Dzokerai Mabhunu, Smart Tembo, Scoprihihodrinkadozo and Ruka Chivende.
In a symbolic tribute to the fallen fighters, the President and other senior officials planted trees in their memory during the National Tree Planting Season launch.
Seven trees were planted in honour of the fallen Seven Heroes, whom President Mnangagwa paid tribute to on Friday when he officially opened the 23rd Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference.
President Mnangagwa’s Mutiti tree, or Lucky Bean in English and Umgqogqogqo in Ndebele was planted in honour of the late Cde David Guzuzu, while First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s tree was dedicated to the late Cde Arthur Maramba.
The Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, also planted trees in honour of the fallen heroes, while Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and Secretary-General Cde Jacob Mudenda joined the commemorations by planting trees in memory of the liberation war fighters.
The tree-planting exercise, which links the preservation of the country’s liberation heritage with the responsibility to protect the environment for future generations, also saw other senior Government and party officials plant their trees.
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