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The Herald, March 28 1980  

THE Prime Minister, Mr Mugabe, has asked the British Governor, Lord Soames, to invite 96 countries to the independence celebrations next month.  

The countries include the Soviet Union and China — but exclude South Africa. A spokesperson for the Governor declined to give reasons for Mr Mugabe’s decision not to invite representatives from the Republic.  

All 42 members of the Commonwealth have been included on the invitation list. So have members of the Organisation of African Unity, as well as certain international bodies such as the United Nations, the European Economic Community and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Sir Shridath Ramphal, reports Iana. 

A Herald reporter writes that a spokesman for the Governor said the invitations included “many countries in the Americas and Asia”.  

“We understand that personal invitations have been sent by the Prime Minister to certain heads of state and government: that is the Frontline States,” the spokesperson said. 

The Frontline States are Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Botswana and Angola. “Many countries, however, are likely to be represented by members of their governments and are likely to be accompanied by small official delegations,” the spokesperson said.  

LESSONS FOR TODAY 

l Zimbabwe’s Independence was widely celebrated in the region and the continent at large.  

l The former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union, now Russia) and China, were key in supporting the armed struggle by training freedom fighters and providing weapons to the fighters.  

l China and Russia remain key economic allies to the Republic of Zimbabwe 41 years after Independence, with the Chinese and Russian investors flocking into the country to invest in various sectors of the economy.  

l As we celebrate 41 years of Independence in a few days, it is worthy to a keep appreciating the support Zimbabwe got from neighbouring countries like Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania.    

l South Africa was left out because it was an apartheid-ruled South Africa. However, representatives of the political parties (African National Congress, Pan-Africanist Congress, South African Communist Party) and their military wings were represented. 

l At a time when Mozambique is facing an insurgency, it is commendable that SADC member states have committed to the spirit of brotherhood and have decided to intervene.  

l SADC is walking in the footsteps of the Frontline States.