Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa says the renaming of Tomlinson Depot to Chimoio Camp marks yet another milestone and a step towards dismantling the remaining colonial legacies.
He was speaking at the commissioning of new housing units for the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Harare this Friday, which coincided with the renaming of the key institution.
The renaming is a move from the colonial names that had been given to key institutions across the country.
The Second Republic is on a drive to replace colonial names at key institutions with those that speak to the country’s history and identity.
“Colonialism saw the naming of places and institution being used as a means of dispossession, both physically and psychologically, for asserting dominion over our land and us its rightful owners. As such, following the advent of the Second Republic, my administration took a deliberate decision to accelerate the name changes of numerous strategic national institutions, buildings and streets across the country. This bold move is designed for the memorialisation and recognition of our rich liberation history, as well as the prominent figures who helped to shape it,” he said.
Renaming Tomlinson Depot to Chimoio is an honour to those who perished at the Chimoio Massacre 1977.
“The renaming of this depot to Chimoio Camp marks yet another milestone and step towards dismantling the remaining colonial ‘legacies. The sacrifices made by our gallant sons and daughters, including at Chimoio Camp, should inspire our officers to conduct their duties diligently. Through such deliberate initiatives, we are giving our country a truly Zimbabwean identity and memorialising the significance of Chimoio Camp in Mozambique, among other places, and incidents that connect us permanently to the liberation struggle. In doing so, we are paying special tribute to our brothers and sisters in the Frontline States, both departed and living,” he explained.
President Mnangagwa also commissioned four new blocks of flats comprising of 96 units.
He emphasised the need for government to provide decent accommodation.
“The need for housing remains a priority for the government and the country’s uniformed forces are not being left behind.The importance of decent accommodation for any employee cannot be overemphasised. To this end, the commissioning of four blocks of residential flats is part of my government efforts towards ensuring better working and safe conditions for our public officers. Our public servants require safe and good places to stay with their families for them to be effective in the delivery of quality services,” noted the President.
In addition to housing needs, President Mnangagwa said his government will continue to capacitate the force to ensure efficiency.
“My government remains mindful that besides the residential accommodation, the Zimbabwe Republic Police requires resources for them to efficiently and effectively fulfil their constitutional mandate. As such, resources will continue to be mobilised to capacitate the Police to effectively deal with emerging challenges, which, among others, include transnational organised crimes, armed robberies and road traffic accidents,” he added.
The country’s security forces remain a key component in safeguarding national interests.
