The Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo, concluded his visit to Mozambique on May 3rd, 2024, with a significant stop at the Nwadjahane Village in the Mandlakazi District of the Gaza Province.
This village is home to the birthplace and memorial shrine of the late Dr. Eduardo Chivambo Mondlane, who is revered as the luminary Founding Father of FRELIMO, the front for the liberation of Mozambique, the ruling party in that country.
Notably, Nwadjahane Village is named in honour of Dr. Mondlane’s traditional name.
During the visit, Hon. Mudenda’s delegation received a detailed account of Dr. Mondlane’s life from his maternal grandson, Arlindo Hoguane, who serves as the curator of the memorial shrine. The narrative highlighted Dr. Mondlane’s historic achievement in uniting three political movements, which were pivotal in liberating Mozambique from Portuguese colonial rule. These movements included the Mozambique African National Union (MANU), the National Democratic Union of Mozambique (UDENAMO), and the African National Union of Independent Mozambique (UNAMI), which ultimately amalgamated into FRELIMO.
Hon. Mudenda expressed admiration for Dr. Mondlane’s unwavering commitment to the liberation struggle, even at the expense of personal comfort and safety. Despite facing challenges, Dr. Mondlane’s leadership laid the foundation for Mozambique’s independence in 1975. The Speaker’s delegation also praised Dr. Mondlane’s enduring legacy, exemplified by the renaming of the largest university in Mozambique as the Eduardo Mondlane University, and the annual celebration of June 20th as Eduardo Mondlane University Day.
Following a tour of the memorial shrine, the delegation was shown the site where a statue of Dr. Mondlane will be erected in the future. Hon. Mudenda emphasised the importance of preserving Dr. Mondlane’s memory and encouraged Mozambicans to cherish his legacy.
In a media interview, Speaker Mudenda described the Mondlane shrine as a fitting tribute to a selfless freedom fighter and nation builder. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Mozambique and urged cooperation between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The visit concluded with a stop at the Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Airport, which boasts modern facilities capable of servicing regional flights. The District Administrator of Chongoene extended an invitation to Zimbabwean businesses to utilize the airport, a gesture welcomed by the Speaker’s delegation.
The visit underscored the enduring bond between Mozambique and Zimbabwe and celebrated the legacy of Dr. Eduardo Chivambo Mondlane, a visionary leader in Africa’s liberation struggle.
