By Kudzai Furusa
ZANU PF First Secretary and President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Cde E. D Mnangagwa said the Mbuya Nehanda statue will showcase that Zimbabwe has a rich history on who led the war against the colonial regime.
President Mnangagwa said this yesterday when he toured the site where Mbuya Nehanda’s statue is going to be erected.
Mbuya Nehanda is remembered for the heroic rebellion against colonialism in which she paid the ultimate price by being hanged on April 27, 1902. The memorial statue of Mbuya Nehanda is being erected at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way in Harare and it is 80% complete. The statue is expected to be a tourist attraction and a historical site in remembering the history of our Liberation war heroine.
“Mbuya Nehanda led the war during the First Chimurenga and she led us when we fought during the Second Chimurenga that is why we are recognizing her so that the young generation will know who led the war against the colonial regime,” said President Mnangagwa.
Today President Mnangagwa tweeted saying that with the construction of the monument nearing completion it is important for the future generations to know that Zimbabwe has a rich history of heroes and heroines.
“Yesterday we celebrated our past heroes and our future champions. The construction of the monument in honour of Mbuya Nehanda is nearing completion. It is vital that we show to our children and grandchildren that Zimbabwe has a rich history of heroes that fought for our freedom,” tweeted the President.
Speaking after seeing the statue, still under construction in Snake Park yesterday, President Mnangagwa castigated people who were speaking badly about the statue.
“Ivavo ndivo vakanyatsokukurungwa. Vanodaro ivo vakatakura muchinjikwa waJesu. Chakaipa chii kuti tiyeuke vakatungamira hondo. Tiri kuyeuka Jesu nekuti wakatifira handiti. Ava tiri kuvayeuka nekuti vakatungamira hondo. Vana vanouya zvizvagwa zvinouya zvichaziva kuti ava ndivo vakatanga nenyaya yerusununguko. (These people say this yet they carry Jesus’ cross. Is there anything wrong in remembering those who led the liberation war. We remember Jesus because he died for us. We are also remembering this woman because she led the liberation struggle. The future generations will know that she was the first person to lead us during the struggle.)
