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President Mugabe is welcomed by Child president Ntandoyenkosi Moyo, while Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Mr Justin Mpamhanga (centre) looks on at the children’s Independence Day party at the City Sports Centre in Harare yesterday.(Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)

Albert Chavhunduka Herald Reporter
Government should ensure that the history of the liberation struggle and independence is properly documented and passed from one generation to another, children from all walks of life have said.
The children spoke on Thursday on the sidelines of the children’s party hosted by President Mugabe and the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe in Harare, to mark the country’s 34th independence anniversary.

The party is an annual occasion.

Child Junior Parliamentarian William Moyo, said Independence Day is a very important part of the country’s history that needs to be passed from generation to generation.

“Independence Day is a very important day since it is a day that our country attained its freedom from the colonisers.

‘‘It is very important that we celebrate this day in remembrance of the sacrifices by those who fought the liberation struggle.

“Therefore, the celebrations should send an important message of the country’s trials and victories to everyone and be shared from generation to generation as an important part of our heritage,” he said.

Miss Harare Junior 2014, Ms Shamiso Mutasa, said Independence Day celebrations are a special event on the country’s calendar that needs to be respected.

“To celebrate our country’s independence shows the unity that is among us as Zimbabweans and it should be something that we will always cherish. It is a day that resembles the birth of our country and that should forever be treasured,” she said.

A student representing Matabeleland North province, Mr Thabani Mlilo, said Independence Day was a reminder of what the heroes went through during the brutal liberation struggle.

“We have come all the way from Matabeleland to join the rest of the country in celebrating our independence. This is a day when all our tribulations came to an end after we successfully fought for our freedom from Britain,” he said.

Mr Nqobile Mawoyo from Mashonaland Central province said it was imperative to teach everyone the importance of Independence Day.

“We grew up knowing that we celebrate the country’s independence every year.

“It is something that should be encouraged so that we know where we are going and our history,” he said.

Zimbabwe celebrated its 34th independence anniversary yesterday having attained  independence from colonial rule in 1980.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations ran under the theme, “Defending Our Sovereignty and Providing an Enabling Environment for Sustainable Economic Empowerment and Social Transformation.”