HomeOld_PostsZimbabweans must emulate freedom fighters

Zimbabweans must emulate freedom fighters

Published on

ZIMBABWEANS must emulate the values that were embraced and guided the freedom fighters during the protracted liberation struggle.
Comradeship was one of the most important values that led to victory and attainment of independence.
The war of liberation was a bitter and brutal struggle and to be successful had to be steeped in discipline, understanding and concern for fellow comrades.
The struggle was not won by the exploits and heroics of individuals but a group of men and women who closely co-operated fully, appreciating the value of the next man or woman.
Dedication, commitment and love for the nation would have come to naught had the comrades not respected and cared for one another.
The majority of the freedom fighters were teenagers and the middle-aged.
They came from all backgrounds; among them were the illiterate, scholars and professionals from various fields.
But these differences did not cause problems because of the comradeship and unity of purpose that existed and unified the sons and daughters of the soil.
Having left, a majority of them without bidding their families farewell, the comrades developed bonds that were even stronger than those of blood relations.
The journey to Zambia and Mozambique where the cadres were trained in the art of war was gruelling and it was in these arduous treks that bonds among the fighters began forming and would later be strengthened during fighting.
Rhodesian forces and the infamous special branch were all over the country capturing the young liberators on their way to training camps.
Survival and making it to the training camps demanded that all became brothers’ keepers.
Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania, where the would-be fighters were trained, were not holiday resorts.
Life at Chimio, Nyadzonia, Tembwe, Doroi, Chibawawa, Nachingwea, Mgagao, among other ZANLA camps, was harsh — hunger and disease were constant companions.
The fighters had to support one another with clothing or food, sharing was crucial for survival.
It was not surprising to see two or three comrades sharing sadza that could at best be described as just a morsel.
“At camps like Nyadzonia, people would survive on a single meal in two days,” said Cde Dust, a former freedom fighter.
“People would share the little food which was eaten, not for satisfaction, but for survival. Love and oneness was our biggest strength.”
Cde Samuel Dhliwayo said emulation of the freedom fighters would help the country accelerate development efforts.
At the front the relationship between the fighters was further strengthened.
Comrades survived ambushes and poisoning among other hazards as a result of the alertness of fellow comrades.
According to war veteran Cde Alexander Kanengoni, it was not unusual for a comrade to sacrifice his life for another.
He said a fellow comrade would rather fight a section of soldiers to defend his fellow comrade in times of need.
“I remember one day at the front while resting, Rhodesian soldiers approached and when I tried to cock my gun it jammed, the comrade I was with instructed me to run while he covered me,” he said.
He said this behaviour, of looking out for one another, was typical of all freedom fighters.
“Even up to today our bond, many years after the war, has not weakened. War veterans are ever ready to help one another without any prompting,” said Cde Kanengoni.
“We felt for each other, fought for each other and shared with each other everything we had.
“If Zimbabweans are to emulate such kind of love and co-operation, our country would prosper and the enemy would not be able to divide us,” he said.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest articles

Kariba Municipality commits to President’s service delivery blueprint

By Kundai Marunya IT is rare to find opposition-controlled urban councils throwing their weight on...

The resurgence of Theileriosis in 2024 

THE issues of global changes, climate change and tick-borne diseases cannot be ignored, given...

Britain haunted by its hostile policy on Zimbabwe

TWO critical lessons drawn from the recent debate on Zimbabwe in the British House...

The contentious issue of race

 By Nthungo YaAfrika AS much as Africans would want to have closure to many of...

More like this

Kariba Municipality commits to President’s service delivery blueprint

By Kundai Marunya IT is rare to find opposition-controlled urban councils throwing their weight on...

The resurgence of Theileriosis in 2024 

THE issues of global changes, climate change and tick-borne diseases cannot be ignored, given...

Britain haunted by its hostile policy on Zimbabwe

TWO critical lessons drawn from the recent debate on Zimbabwe in the British House...

Discover more from Celebrating Being Zimbabwean

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading