VP Mohadi in Zambia for Kavalamanja commemorations

Source: VP Mohadi in Zambia for Kavalamanja commemorations – herald

Thupeyo Muleya in LUSAKA, Zambia

Vice President Kembo Mohadi arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, yesterday afternoon ahead of the joint commemoration of the Kavalamanja battle, a significant event in the shared liberation war history of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

He arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, where he was received by Zambia’s Deputy Chief of State Protocol, Brigadier General Oliver Moonde, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Zambia Charity Charamba and embassy staff.

The Vice President is accompanied by a high‑level delegation comprising Government officials, veterans of the liberation struggle, and members of the diplomatic corps.

The Kavalamanja commemorations, held annually in March, honour the memories of Zambians and Zimbabweans killed by the Ian Smith regime in 1978 during the liberation struggle.

The two‑day event began yesterday evening at Kakaro, where Zambian civilians lost their lives during the bombardment.

The main commemorative event will take place today in the Kavalamanja area.

Deputy Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Senator Headman Moyo, led yesterday’s proceedings at Kakaro.

Vice President Mohadi’s visit comes after his regional tour of liberation shrines last year, which took him to Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Angola.

The commemorations serve as a powerful reminder of the strong bond between Zimbabwe and Zambia, forged in the crucible of the struggle for independence.

VP Mohadi’s visit is also expected to strengthen bilateral relations and promote regional cooperation.

In an interview upon arrival, the Vice President paid tribute to Zambia’s role during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

“This is a very significant historical event where we jointly gather to remember our fallen heroes.

“In terms of relations, we are one people, and you will appreciate that recently we elevated our relationship from the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation to the level of the Bi‑National Commission,” he said.

VP Mohadi will attend the commemorations, lay wreaths, and pay tribute to the fallen heroes.

The Kavalamanja battle remains a defining moment in the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, and this year’s commemorations are expected to offer a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by both nations.