Story by Providence Maraneli
Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Kembo Mohadi has called on African youths to take ownership of the continent’s economic struggle in order to fulfil the vision of Africa’s founding fathers.
He made the remarks in Tanzania after touring historic liberation struggle sites, including Bagamoyo Camp in the Coastal Region, where liberation icons such as President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the late Cdes Samora Machel, Josiah Magama Tongogara, Herbert Chitepo, Solomon Mujuru and Vitalis Zvinavashe once sought refuge.
Vice President Mohadi said the sacrifices made by freedom fighters should inspire today’s generation to champion Africa’s economic emancipation.
“You have been told that people like Samora Machel, Chissano, our President ED Mnangagwa, and commanders like Tongogara also came through this place. We are grateful to retrace these steps so that young people can know where we came from. We walked on foot, without planes or trains, and defeated a well-equipped regime because we were patriotic and resilient,” said Vice President Mohadi.
At the African Liberation Heritage Centre, which preserves Southern Africa’s liberation history, the Vice President rallied youths to extend the spirit of unity into the economic sphere.
“As Southern Africa obtained its political emancipation through your efforts, I urge you to lead us in economically emancipating ourselves. We will never be free as long as our economies are controlled by others. We must beneficiate our resources, control our means of production, and secure our future,” he said.
The Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi, commended Tanzania for preserving liberation history in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“Tanzania has gone very far in documenting Africa’s history and instilling pride in it. We encourage all African countries to do the same, ensuring that our exhibitions can be taught in schools and shared with the world,” he said.
Regional Commissioner for the Coast Region, Mr Abubakar Kunenge, expressed appreciation for Zimbabwe’s continued connection to Bagamoyo.
“We are grateful that the people of Zimbabwe have come here to Bagamoyo. This was their home for a long time, and we are brothers,” he said.
During the liberation struggle, Tanzania served as a safe haven and logistical base for many Southern African movements, cementing ties that remain strong today.
