Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
VICE President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga has challenged Zimbabweans to develop a culture of documenting their own experiences and the liberation struggle for the benefit of posterity.
The need for Zimbabweans to inculcate a culture of reading and writing was the rallying call at the launch of a book titled: ‘One Among Many: My Contribution to the Zimbabwean Story,’ written by former Director General in Presidential Department, Major General (Rtd) Happyton Bonyongwe in Harare this Friday.
Guest of honour at the launch, Vice President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga stressed the importance of documenting the country’s history.
“We have lost a lot by way of our unwritten Liberation Histories. Many of our brave fighters have gone to the grave with their narratives, leaving our society much poorer. Those of us who live must now discharge this huge debt we owe posterity. We must start writing, start immortalising our wartime experiences,” he said.
The 482-page book chronicles the life of the author, his involvement in the liberation struggle, surviving the Nyadzonia attack, as well as other experiences before and after independence.
“One among many is a paragon of humility by a senior officer who has given a lot to his country and people, including pledging his very life to the quest for a common good. Post- independence, Happyton got involved in operations in Mozambique, where he battled against RENAMO’s sponsored insurgency. When the time came, he was called upon to serve in different stations that are to do with State Security. Again, he excelled and served with total loyalty,” said Major General (Retired) Bonyongwe.
“One Among Many is an autobiography. My contribution to the Zimbabwean story has 482 pages. It is about everyone. It is a must-read book, I always wanted to write my story but didn’t have time, but after leaving the government, I got time.”
The publication, which will also have an audio version, is now selling in local book shops.
It was also auctioned for US$2500 during the book launch this Friday.
