Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has visited the Nanjing Army Command College in China’s Jiangsu province, where he received his first military training in 1964, revealing how the institution shaped his participation in the liberation struggle.
In 1964, when he was 20 years old, President Mnangagwa was trained at the college as he and fellow comrades prepared to join others in the armed revolution.
Over six decades later he returned to the place he left as a mere trainee, now a President.
For President Mnangagwa, the visit was a significant one that brought back memories as he reflected on the historic time when he received training. The President expressed his deep appreciation for the role the institution played in training the first group of freedom fighters.
“I was here 62 years ago. I’m happy to be back here. I came here in 1964 when I did my first military training, I was here for about 10 months. Of course back then it was different,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said those who trained with him at Nanjing Military College include Edson Shirihuru, Lawrence Svosve, John Shonhiwa and James Mudavanhu.
The President expressed his deep appreciation to the college for training him.
“I don’t know how to repay you because it was this institution that trained us in the then armed struggle. But I think you should feel proud that it is this institution that trained the first group of cadres who trained the first group of cadres to liberate Zimbabwe,” he added.
Nanjing Military College Senior Colonel Ma Qixian said as a college they are proud of how President Mnangagwa, their former student, rose over the years.
Colonel Ma said, “We are very proud of your achievements and your great contributions to your country. We can see you’re highly respected and honoured by your people.”
After his visit to the military college, President Mnangagwa met with Communist Party of China (CPC) Party Secretary for Jiangsu province Xin Changxin, with discussions focusing on the need to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
“We will strength our cooperation in many areas. We want to achieve win-win situation,” Secretary Xin said.
President Mnangagwa said it was his personal desire that the relationship which was built 60 years ago wiĺl not fade.
Earlier, President Mnangagwa toured a model rural village, Lutang Village. The President is in China on a state visit that will also see him attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
