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Sydney Mubaiwa in Zaka
The country’s liberation struggle history should be taught in schools to maintain patriotism among today’s youthful generation, Zaka district war veterans chairman Cde Handei Mufundisi has said.

Addressing hundreds of people who converged at the Zaka District Heroes’ Acre in Jerera yesterday, Cde Mufundisi said the generation of freedom fighters was now ageing, hence the importance of nurturing a new breed of patriotic Zimbabweans.

He also challenged parents to teach the liberation war history to their children.

“Schools should spearhead the spreading of this country’s liberation struggle to the young generation through what they teach,’’ said Cde Mufundisi.

“Parents also have an obligation to teach their children so that they are able to appreciate the country’s independence and legacy.”

Cde Mufundisi challenged young writers and authors to write extensively about the liberation struggle, explaining the key role played by other ancillary groups of people such as war collaborators.

He said documentation of the country’s history will guard against distortion by opportunists bent on getting undeserved credit.

“We must never allow outsiders to tell our own history, our own story because doing that demeans our history as a people and the role played by Zimbabweans to free their own country from the yoke of colonial tyranny,’’ said Cde Mufundisi.

He said it was important for the country to take advantage of those who participated in the struggle so that they give accurate accounts of what transpired for the benefit of progeny.

Cde Mufundisi urged leaders in Government and Zanu-PF to prioritise the wishes and aspirations of the people in whatever they do as was the case during the fight for independence.

“Our guiding principle always should be to put people first,” he said.

“The sacrifices we made during the liberation struggle should never be in vain.”