WE commemorate Heroes’ and Defence Forces Days, remembering the sons and daughters of the soil whose selfless acts have made us who we are today.
The story behind these days we commemorate was written in blood and is priceless.
The story is indelibly etched in the memory of participants and can never be erased.
But the just ended Zimbabwe International Book Fair got me reflecting on this important story, the story of our nation.
How is this story being told for the benefit of our young, born in a free Zimbabwe which is replete with opportunities?
We survived in Rhodesia, we fought in the liberation struggle; Zimbabwe is beautiful and full of opportunities, for the black man and woman.
A story, a history, an idea or a symbol is only as good as it is perpetuated.
Heroes’ Day, Defence Forces Day; what do they mean?
Where do they come from?
How did these days come into being?
Why do we have them on our calendar?
For many of our young, these are days to take a break from work and relax.
Our heroes and heroines, as well as members of the Defence Forces, do not begrudge you, that is exactly what they want for you, to relax and be happy in our motherland.
But still it will not be remiss to reflect and think deeply, as we go about our business, what these days mean.
The last part of the heart-rending song ‘Mukoma Takanyu’ by Nyadzonia Mbira Unity which narrates the Nyadzonia Massacre where thousands of refugees, mostly women and children, were killed by Rhodesian Forces, is a gripping message:
“Kuzotiwo mumwe musi kana uchinge wakagara wombofunga kuti ko mukomana watakaisa mugomba uyo kumusha kwake haana kukusvika vabereki varikuzviziva here kuti ari muGonarenzou, vabereki varikuziva here kuti ari mugomba, vabereki varikuziva here kuti ari mugomba, vabereki varikuziva here kuti akaora, unofanira kugara uchizvitondera kana mamwe mazuva aunofara.”
Let us record in written form the story that led to the Heroes’ and Defence Forces Days for the benefit of our young and future generations.
A people without their narrative are lost.
How much do they understand and know about our heroes and defenders.
Some of the curious among our young will spend the holidays reading, but reading what?
They will be reading literature that criminalises our heroes and heroines, literature that glorifies the atrocities of our people, conveniently ignoring the histories and the fate of the owners of the land who were conquered in the name of a queen/king residing in the cold lands of England.
Our children must know exactly what happened at Chimoio, Tembwe, Freedom Camp, Chibondo and Hurodzavasikana?
And do our children know the meaning of the song:
“Kana tichifamba, tichifamba rwendo.
Tinofamba navaChaminuka
Ahoi, hoi,
Hoi, hoi navaChaminuka”
This song was a prayer, an appeal to the ancestors as the guerillas began a march.
It set the mode very similar to an opening prayer at a church function.
We need these narratives so that our children and posterity will have an appreciation as well as understanding of these important days we commemorate.
The written word has power just as effective as the guns, bombs and sjamboks whose effect feels like it happened yesterday.
“Tonosangana! Ikoko
Tonosangana! Ikoko”
We shall meet there
We shall lock horns
We shall fight: Is another song that challenged the enemy.
Sadly our children know more about Western heroes and holidays because these have been immortalised in books and films and countless documentaries.
Rhodesians committed endless atrocities both within and outside the country.
Some of us are still haunted by Nyadzonia, Chimoio, Victory Camp and many other places where we lost lives, our sanity and for many the ability to sleep peacefully.
That is why we continue to commemorate and celebrate our liberators and protectors.
Heroes’ and Defence Forces days are the cradle of the present and remind us why we continue to work and fight for our Nation.