The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa in Chipinge —
WAR veterans have been urged to fully document their biographies in order to educate young people about their liberation war experiences and learn more about the country’s history.
Speaking at the burial ceremony of liberation war hero, Cde David Chimana in Goko Ward Three last Thursday, Chipinge district administrator, Mr William Mashava, said he was saddened that youths were being blamed for not knowing the country’s history yet the war veterans were reluctant to share their experiences.
“Forgive me for being honest,” said Mr Mashava.
“These young people are not conversant with liberation history because most of you (war veterans) do not want to share your experiences with them. I was not happy when l went to collect the autobiography of the late Cde Chimana at the District office and I was given only a single page of his history which covered skeleton issues of where he trained and operated at. It is paramount to include issues to do with what motivated you to join the liberation struggle in your autobiographies.
“Document your experiences articulately. Chronicle your highs and lows. How you survived battles and how much you think you contributed for the country to become free. Also educate them about those cadres we lost,” he said.
DA Mashava, who was accompanied by Chipinge district deputy war veterans’ chairman, Cde Matonga, was introduced to an appreciative crowd by his deputy Mr Beto at the burial ceremony. Mr Mashava replaced Mr Edgar Seenza who was recently transferred to Mutare district.
Mr Beto urged villagers to continue cherishing good and cordial relationship between the office of the DA and the community saying the former would continue to have an open door policy.
The late Cde Chimana was born in 1954 and trained in Tanzania before coming back to join others in the war of liberation in Zimbabwe where he operated in Hwedza in Mashonaland East.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
