Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – Professor Lourenço Mateus Lindondo, the State Secretary for Mozambique’s Manica Province, joined thousands of Zimbabweans in Manicaland to celebrate Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming the deep historical bonds between the two nations.
The provincial celebrations, held at Nhedziwa High School, were marked by an array of cultural performances, speeches, and a strong message of pan-African solidarity.
In his address, Prof. Lindondo highlighted Mozambique’s unwavering support for Zimbabwe during its liberation struggle against white-minority rule.
“Mozambique and Zimbabwe share blood, sweat, and tears in the fight for freedom. When Zimbabwean freedom fighters needed shelter, Mozambique opened its arms. When they needed training camps, we provided our soil. When Rhodesian forces retaliated against us, we stood firm because we knew justice would prevail. Our land became a sanctuary for Zimbabwean freedom fighters, and many Mozambicans sacrificed their lives for your independence,” he said.
His words resonated particularly in Manicaland, the Zimbabwean province that shares both a border and a history with Mozambique’s Manica Province. During the liberation war, the mountainous terrain along their shared border served as key infiltration routes for Zimbabwean guerrillas.
Between 1976-1979, Rhodesian forces conducted numerous cross-border raids into Mozambique, including the infamous 1977 attack on Nyazonia refugee camp that killed hundreds of Zimbabwean refugees and Mozambican civilians.
Lindondo highlighted that the sisterly relationship between the two nations extends beyond history into present-day cooperation in trade, security, and infrastructure development.
“Today, we are not just neighbours,we are brothers and sisters. The Beira Corridor and the Buzi,Pungwe and Save water project are testaments to our shared future,” he added.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of State for Manicaland Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, echoed Lindondo’s sentiments, praising Mozambique for its role in Zimbabwe’s liberation.
“Without Mozambique’s support, our journey to freedom would have been longer and bloodier. We will forever be grateful,” Mugadza stated.
The presence of Mozambique’s high-ranking official underscores the enduring alliance between the two countries which was forged in war but strengthened in peace.
