19 Aug 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi joined other Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government at the historic groundbreaking ceremony of the SADC Liberation Square and Monument Site in Harare, Zimbabwe on Sunday.

President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, who is also chairperson of SADC, presided over the ground breaking of ceremony of the Liberation City where his government handed over one hectare of land to the regional bloc to allow each member state to construct a monument of its struggle against colonial oppression.

The event, which was attended by some leaders from the SADC region, was held at the Museum of African Liberation, a Pan African project aimed at documenting and immortalising the continent’s liberation history.

Dr Mnangagwa said the establishment of the Museum of African Liberation was aligned with SADC’s objective to enhance and consolidate the historical, social, and cultural heritage among the people of the region as outlined in the SADC Treaty.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe remained inspired by the region’s collective national history and the spirit of Pan African vision.

“It is therefore befitting that I acknowledge the support of SADC member states and that of other countries in Africa that enabled the official African Union endorsement of the establishment of the Museum of African Liberation,” said Dr Mnangagwa.

Dr Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and the SADC region were proud to host part of the depository of the African rich history.

He said his government would continue to support any effort aimed at researching about the history of the African continent, which was often times distorted to suit the colonial masters.

He appealed to member states to ensure that the rich history of Africa was amply documented.

“History will judge us harshly when we just watch our past being distorted.

It is an embodiment of the characterisation of our continent including the Diaspora, it is the reservoir of our past,” he added.

Dr Mnangagwa said the facility was going to amplify the heroics of the African people during the trying times they endured.

He said the monument was a timeless project that would make every African celebrate their own history against posterity.

He also thanked past leaders who made unwavering sacrifices for future generations.

SADC Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi, said the project was a monumental initiative aimed at recognising certain individuals who contributed to African liberty.

He said during liberation struggles, no country became victorious single handedly but the victory was borne out of cooperation and integration.

“We recognise the moral support of the entire region and contributions of all nations. This one is a timeless reminder of the unity and courage in the quest for freedom,” he said.

Mr Magosi reminded member states that social ills, poverty and hunger, demanded combined action to overcome.

He said countries in the region had overcome insurmountable challenges in the past and were to draw lessons from their past.

The project is spearheaded by the Institute of African Knowledge.

Meanwhile Dr Mnangagwa led the SADC Heads of State on a tour of the Geo Pomona Waste Management site in the capital city.

Geo Pomona Waste Management company is a waste management company dedicated to developing sustainable solutions that minimise negative environmental impact.

It utilises innovative technologies and best practices from local and international experts to create a healthier and safer environment for communities.

The plant will also produce between 16 to 22 megawatts of electricity to the country’s national grid. Ends