Source: VP Mohadi lights Independence Flame at Ratanyana – herald
Nqobile Bhebhe in Ratanyana, MAPHISA
VICE President Dr Kembo Mohadi yesterday lit the Independence Flame at the Ratanyana Memorial Battle Site, sparking jubilation from large crowds that gathered for the historic occasion.
He described the Ratanyana Battle Memorial Site as a sanctuary of remembrance and a powerful symbol of national unity, as Zimbabwe today celebrates its 46th Independence Day.
The flame was lit at 11.40am, marking the second such event after Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga lit the flame in Zezani, Beitbridge.
The lighting of the flame symbolises freedom and unity, a sense of national pride while reflecting the enduring spirit of independence.
The symbolic flame, representing Zimbabwe’s hard-won independence, has been taken across various districts in Matabeleland South, fostering community engagement and honouring the sacrifices made by liberation heroes.
Addressing multitudes, VP Mohadi reiterated the importance of preserving the country’s liberation heritage.
“Today, we gather at the Ratanyana Battle Memorial Site for the second lighting of the Independence Flame in Matabeleland South Province,” he said.
“This is the final stop before the flame makes its journey to this year’s Independence venue at Maphisa.
“We are also gathered here to witness the unveiling of the Ratanyana Battle Memorial, Interpretive Centre, clinic and other amenities that have been developed as part of the 2026 Independence Legacy Projects.”
The VP said the memorial stands as a beacon of national pride and a reminder of the country’s shared history and sacrifices.
“The armed struggle that shaped our independence left deep scars, especially on the children and communities of Matabeleland South.
“The Ratanyana Memorial honours 11 ZPRA comrades who fell during a battle with Rhodesian forces in February of 1978,” he said.
During that battle, four children mistaken as guerrillas were also killed by the Rhodesian forces. VP Mohadi said while the bodies of the fallen heroes were taken to an unknown destination by the enemy, the bodies of the children were handed over to their families and are buried at Ratanyana in the family cemetery.
The children were Nokuthula Ndlovu (12), Thandekile Moyo (6), Sixoliso Dube (3) and Mqalisi Ndlovu (3).
The Ratanyana massacre remains one of the most painful episodes of the liberation war, where four innocent children were brutally killed after being caught in the crossfire during a fierce battle between ZIPRA forces and Rhodesian troops.
Historical accounts show that the confrontation, involving ZIPRA’s Southern Front 3 regional commander Cde Adam Dube, also known as Cde Mphini, began around 9am and raged until after 4pm.
In apparent frustration after suffering losses, including a downed helicopter, Rhodesian forces turned their guns on defenseless children who were in nearby fields.
VP Mohadi said the upgraded graves of the children and other family members form part of efforts to preserve liberation heritage.
“The graves of these children, together with those of 17 other family members who died of natural causes over the years, have been upgraded as part of the Independence Legacy Projects.
“May their souls continue to rest in peace, power,” he said.
VP Mohadi added that the Ratanyana Memorial also honours the sacrifices of ordinary men, women, boys and girls who fought for the country’s independence.
“As we stand here, let us remember the journey that brought us to this day. The path to freedom was not easy. It was paved with the blood, sweat and tears of those who dared to dream of a better Zimbabwe.
“Yet, even in the darkest times, there was courage. Farmers, women, elders and children alike supported the struggle, often at great personal cost. “Their bravery, their resilience, and their hope are the foundations of our nation,” said VP Mohadi.
He also paid tribute to survivors of the battle, including Cde Moses Makhanda Ngwenya, and rallied the nation to commit itself to remembering these stories, learning from the past, and building a future where no child, no family, and no community will ever again endure such suffering.
“The Interpretive Centre that has been built here should, therefore, serve as a place for education about our past and inspiration for generations to come.
“We must also teach our children about our history; let them understand the sacrifices made for their freedom and carry forward the torch of unity, patriotism, and national pride,” he said.
VP Mohadi announced the completion of a local clinic to serve the community, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all.
The Interpretive Centre and clinic will create employment opportunities and empowering locals to thrive.
“Together, we can build an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. In the spirit of His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra, ‘Leaving no one and no place behind’, I reaffirm Government’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainable development.
“Imagine a Zimbabwe where our youth have access to meaningful work, families live with dignity, and where our communities flourish. That is the Zimbabwe we are building-together.
“Again, we reaffirm the President’s clarion call that ‘Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo(/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo)’,” he said.
VP Mohadi commended community and diaspora efforts in developing the site, adding that Government intervention, through the Lotteries and Gaming Board, has ensured provision of healthcare to communities.
“Today, as we light the Independence Flame, we pay tribute to the brave ZIPRA and ZANLA fighters who stood firm against oppression, defending the dream of a free Zimbabwe, even when faced with overwhelming force.
“Their courage paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today. As I stand here today, I am filled with gratitude for the heroes of our liberation struggle, for the communities that supported them, and for the opportunity to contribute to a brighter future.
“Our journey is far from over. Together, we will honour our past while building a brighter, peaceful, and prosperous future. Let this Ratanyana Battle Memorial Centre stand as a lasting symbol of our resilience, unity, and commitment to leave no one and no place behind.”
For the villagers of Ratanyana and surrounding areas, the day marked the restoration of dignity long denied to their fallen relatives.
Elderly villager, Mr Jabulani Ncube, said for decades, the pain of losing loved ones had lingered without proper recognition.
Another villager, Mrs Thandeka Moyo, struggled to contain her emotions as she described the significance of the monument.
“This is not just a structure. It is a sign that our Government remembers. The Second Republic has brought back the dignity of our people.
“Our children and our heroes can now rest in honour,” she said.
Younger members of the community also expressed a renewed sense of identity and pride, saying the monument would serve as an educational site for future generations.
“We grew up hearing fragments of this story, but now it is being preserved in a way that we can understand and pass on. It gives us a deeper appreciation of our history,” said Mr Sipho Ndlovu.
“We cannot allow this history to fade or remain confined to oral narratives. It must be taught in schools so that every child understands what happened here and why our independence matters.”
Another youth, Miss Lindiwe Ncube, urged authorities to incorporate liberation war heritage sites like Ratanyana into the national curriculum and educational tours.
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