Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
CHIMOIO town was the centre of attraction in Manica province this Wednesday as thousands gathered at Samora Macheal Square for the Mozambique Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Locals from across the province thronged the iconic square in celebration of five decades of freedom, with many citing significant developments under the FRELIMO-led government as a cause for national pride.
Residents spoke of transformative progress in sectors such as education, health, water provision and infrastructure since attaining independence in 1975.
“This day is important to us because it brought about the freedom we enjoy today. We can now determine our development path. Before independence, we had no university in Chimoio, but now every province has its own. The city was small and faced challenges like electricity and water shortages, those are now things of the past,” one resident said.
“Today, we celebrate great progress in education, health, and infrastructure. These are the tangible results of our independence,” another added.
A Zimbabwean delegation led by Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza graced the event, reflecting deep historical ties between Mozambique and Zimbabwe rooted in shared struggles and solidarity.
“We are proud of the unity between Mozambique and Zimbabwe in many areas of cooperation. Mozambique helped Zimbabwe in fighting colonialists, and we want to thank you on behalf of President Mnangagwa. We thank you for protecting our shrines, where our liberation fighters are buried,” Minister Mugadza said.
Governor of Manica Province, Francisca Domingos Tomas and Manica Secretary of State, Professor Lourenco Lindonde spoke on the developments taking place in Mozambique after independence and how the cordial relations between Mozambique and Zimbabwe are growing from strength to strength.
“Before independence, we lacked basic infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and clean water. Today, those services have been expanded significantly. We are also advocating for the establishment of more border posts along the 600-kilometre stretch shared with Manicaland Province to boost trade and mobility,” Governor Tomas said.
Professor Lindonde acknowledged the support and camaraderie shared with Zimbabwe.
“We are grateful that Zimbabweans are here to celebrate this historic day with us. We honour the war veterans who participated in our liberation. Mozambique has made strides in agriculture and education, and we look forward to deepening our trade and diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe.”
On the night of June 25, 1975, the red, black, green and yellow flag of Mozambique was raised for the first time, marking the official end of Portuguese colonial rule and the birth of a new African republic.
As Mozambique celebrates half a century of freedom, Chimoio stands not only as a city of remembrance, but of hope, where the past and future meet.
