Source: Govt reconstructs freedom fighters’ graves to preserve memory – herald
Debra Matabvu
Herald Reporter
DOZENS of graves belonging to Zimbabwean liberation war heroes buried in Mapiye, Tembwe and Mavonde in Mozambique are set for extensive reconstruction as part of a programme to preserve the memory and dignity of fighters who died during the armed struggle but were never laid to rest in the country.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
Many of the graves, established in the 1970s, have deteriorated over decades due to natural wear and tear, heavy rains and frequent cyclones.
Preserving the sites is considered vital for protecting the historical record of the liberation struggle, honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for independence and ensuring that future generations can connect with this chapter of the nation’s history.
In an interview, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemadanda, said officials recently completed the identification of burial sites and are now working on the modalities for reconstruction.
Mozambique hosted thousands of Zimbabwean freedom fighters during the liberation war and remains a key partner in protecting this shared legacy.
“We are now deciding if the remains can be taken to a central place or if the graves can be reconstructed on their current locations,” said Amb Matemadanda.
“The remains are mostly exposed during the rainy season because a majority of the remains are in shallow graves.
“This is exacerbated by the heavy rains and cyclones which frequently hit Mozambique.”
Amb Matemadanda said while some graves in Chimoio also required refurbishment, authorities were prioritising those is Mapiye, Tembwe and Mavonde.
“In Mapiye, there is a grave whose remains are intact but was left in 1977 when other remains were collected and buried in Chimoio,” he explained.
“In the same area, there are also other remains of liberation fighters.
“In Tembwe and Chimoio there are areas where there were proper graves, but some have collapsed.
“While in Mavonde, there are shallow graves.
“During the battle of Mavonde, it took days before the comrades were buried, when they were finally buried some were in advanced stages of decomposition, so some of the graves were shallow.
“In some cases, five or six comrades were buried in one grave.”
The planned restoration will include refurbishing burial sites, erecting durable headstones and improving surrounding infrastructure to ensure the sites are maintained with dignity.
Officials say the exercise will also provide an opportunity for surviving comrades, relatives and communities to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and reflect on their sacrifice.
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