Sikombela National Monument, 17 April 2025 – A historic and emotionally charged day unfolded at the sacred grounds of Sikombela National Monument, as the Independence Flame Eve Lighting Ceremony illuminated not only the site but the legacy of Zimbabwe’s liberation journey. The event marked a poignant prelude to Independence Day commemorations.
Hon. Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence and War Veterans, officiated the flame lighting on behalf of Vice President Kembo C.D. Mohadi, delivering a powerful address that blended tribute with progressive vision. She championed a bold new initiative: the introduction of breathalysers in Zimbabwe as a step towards reducing alcohol abuse. Hon. Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasized the urgency of curbing the consumption of harmful, illicit brews like “kambwa,” calling for mandatory adoption of breathalysers as a public safety and health measure.
The event was graced by a strong representation of national leadership, including:
- Hon. Kazembe Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage
- Hon. July Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development
- Hon. Rtd Lt General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation
- Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Mr. Zvinechimwe Ruvinga Churu
- Chief Njelele, esteemed traditional leader of the region
In a historic milestone, Hon. Muchinguri-Kashiri officially opened the Sikombela National Monument to the public. The site—once a restrictive detention camp during the liberation struggle—was declared a national monument in 2013.
Mr. Cleperton Gutu, Acting Regional Director for NMMZ (Central Region), delivered a moving summary of Sikombela’s significance, emphasizing its role in shaping Zimbabwe’s liberation narrative.
Cde Thomas Ziki, a surviving detainee, gave an emotional and intimate tour of the monument. He recounted how 56 prisoners, initially transferred from Hwahwa Prison, were crammed into just four tin huts. As the site expanded, more housing was erected for other key liberation figures including Ndabaningi Sithole, Edgar Tekere, and the late former President Robert Mugabe.
Cde Ziki shared vivid memories of enduring severe health challenges—malaria, tsetse fly bites, and attacks by a blood-sucking insect dubbed “zvima 6 o’clock.” Despite the adversity, their revolutionary spirit endured, and Sikombela became a political school and recruitment center for new detainees.
A touching moment came as Hon. Kazembe Kazembe presented Hon. Muchinguri-Kashiri with a portrait of the Sikombela detainees, symbolizing the resilience and unity that defined the liberation era.
In closing, Chief Njelele gave a heartfelt vote of thanks, commending the government and NMMZ for preserving this hallowed ground and ensuring that future generations understand the price of independence.
