SANF 05 no 42
Zimbabwe has honoured the leaders of the Frontline States for their immense contribution to the liberation of the country and the region as a whole.
As part of its silver jubilee celebrations Zimbabwe awarded the regional heroes the Royal Order of Munhumutapa, which is the highest national honour.
The first chairperson of the frontline states, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania was honoured for his “exceptional accomplishments as the luminary and conscience of African nationalism.”
The citation said he was “the fulcrum of liberation efforts in the region for his outstanding contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle against colonialism and all its tentacles.”
The late Chief Seretse Khama of Botswana was recognised for his “exceptional commitment to the eradication of colonial domination, unyielding dedication to pan-African ideas and sterling contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and the pursuit of justice and equality.”
Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda, the only leader among the five who is still alive, was honoured for his “exceptional strength of resolve, selfless dedication, revolutionary leadership and outstanding contribution during Zimbabwe’s long and arduous struggle for equality, justice and self-determination.”
Speaking during the award ceremony, Kaunda said that it is important to mention that the freedom of the people of Africa did not come as a gift, “black people rose up to challenge colonialism and apartheid and made sacrifices for independence,” he said.
Nyerere, Khama and Kaunda were the founding fathers of the Frontline States whose original membership was Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia. After 1975 the Frontline States grew to five members following the independence of Angola and Mozambique.
The late Mozambican president, Samora Machel, was honoured with the same award for his “exceptional revolutionary courage, unyielding determination, selfless dedication, inspirational leadership and outstanding contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.”
Angola’s late president Agostinho Neto was honoured for his “exceptional commitment, dedication, inspirational leadership and outstanding contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.”
Awards for the late leaders were received by their spouses or relatives who attended the award ceremony on the eve of Zimbabwe’s 25th anniversary of independence on 18 April. These included the wife of the late Mwalimu Nyerere, Mama Maria Nyerere; Tshekedi Khama, son of the late Khama; Samora Machel Junior, son of the late Machel; and Eugema Neto, the wife of the late Agostinho Neto.
“In according that honour, we are aware we do it for the whole of Africa which accords these great giants profound and eternal esteem. In humbly extending this honour, we draw attention to their epic deeds for Africa and more specifically for southern Africa,” said Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe during the ceremony.
The leaders of the Frontline States met regularly from 1974-1994 to co-ordinate efforts, resources and strategies, in support of the national liberation movements of southern Africa that were fighting against colonialism, racism and white-minority rule.
A free Zimbabwe, as indeed a free Namibia and a free South Africa illustrate their accomplishments, which today translate into free and independent African people, said Mugabe.
They also had to confront the military and economic destabilisation of majority-ruled states by apartheid South Africa. The intensification of the struggle on both fronts strengthened bonds of solidarity and the need for collective action.
Most southern African countries had achieved political independence by 1980, but still had to deal with the challenges of poverty caused by colonial economic policies that favoured the minority, damaged economic infrastructure, and the threat of powerful and hostile white minority-ruled neighbours.
President Mugabe said the economic costs were also heavy through disrupted economic activity, destroyed infrastructure, diverted resources or forgone opportunities.
“Decolonisation of Africa should inspire us to strive for the attainment of sustainable economic and social development. The economic revival of Africa is a priority goal for the African Union,” said Kaunda.
Leaders from around the region also came to celebrate 25 years of independence, which was attained on 18 April 1980. They included Presidents Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, Festus Mogae of Botswana and Joseph Kabila of DRC, as well as Prime Ministers Luisa Diogo of Mozambique and Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos of Angola, and Swaziland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Albert Shabangu. There were also ministerial delegations from South Africa, Lesotho, Mauritius and further a field. (SARDC)
