MOZAST Partners with Watervlei Burial Park to Honor Zimbabwe’s Liberation Heroes

In a landmark collaboration, The Memories of Zimbabwe’s Armed Struggle Trust (MOZAST) has partnered with the Watervlei Burial Park to establish a state-of-the-art cemetery dedicated to the national heroes and heroines who contributed in various ways to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. This initiative is set to provide dignified burial spaces for a diverse group of citizens, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

While the National Heroes Acre in Harare and similar shrines across the country serve as the final resting places for select war heroes and outstanding citizens, the new Watervlei Burial Park will provide a space for those who fought for the country’s freedom, regardless of their status. The park aims to honor all individuals who played a role in Zimbabwe’s liberation from white minority rule.

“We have reserved a special section at Watervlei Burial Park called the War Veterans Memorial Garden to offer dignified burial spaces for our national heroes,” said Richard Chirongwe, a representative of MOZAST. “This collaboration underscores our respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe’s war veterans, and we are committed to ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.”

The War Veterans Memorial Garden will be located just 11 kilometers from Harare’s central business district, along Seke Road. The memorial will cover approximately 200 acres of land and will feature a range of facilities, including mausoleums, cremation and embalming centers, and more. A central element of the memorial will be a war museum, designed to showcase the history and sacrifices of Zimbabwe’s liberation fighters.

Chirongwe emphasized that the museum would serve as a poignant reminder of the struggle and the cost of freedom, offering a space for both reflection and education for future generations. “The war museum will be a vital part of this project, bringing the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation war to life and honoring the memories of those who fought for our freedom,” he explained.

Repatriation of Remains and Expanding the Memorial Across Zimbabwe

A key aspect of the project is the repatriation of remains from freedom fighters currently buried abroad. With the assistance of the Zimbabwean government, MOZAST plans to bring these heroes and heroines back to Zimbabwe and provide them with a dignified final resting place at the memorial garden.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving the legacy of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, and we aim to ensure that no hero or heroine is left behind,” Chirongwe added. “As we move forward, we plan to replicate this memorial garden in other cities, starting with Bulawayo, ensuring that all war veterans across the country are properly honored.”

The park has already received full approval from the City of Harare for land usage and burials, and the project is set to become a major symbol of the nation’s gratitude to its freedom fighters. The initiative will also help preserve the memory of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices that paved the way for the country’s independence.

A Monument to Sacrifice and Unity

The Watervlei Burial Park and the War Veterans Memorial Garden are not only significant for their role in honoring the country’s heroes but also for their symbolic importance in promoting national unity. The project reflects Zimbabwe’s ongoing commitment to respecting and preserving its history while ensuring that the contributions of all those who fought for independence are acknowledged and remembered.

With the full support of the government and MOZAST, this memorial park is set to become a lasting testament to the resilience and sacrifices of Zimbabwe’s war veterans. It will serve as a space where future generations can reflect on the courage, unity, and determination that defined the nation’s liberation struggle.

In conclusion, the collaboration between MOZAST and Watervlei Burial Park offers a unique and meaningful way to honor Zimbabwe’s unsung heroes. This initiative will not only provide dignified resting places for those who fought for freedom but also ensure that the legacy of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle continues to inspire future generations.