Renaming of barracks: Befitting honour of veterans of the armed struggle
Today, as we celebrate our freedom and our independence, we can’t look past those who fought for it and those who serve to protect it. “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example,” Benjamin Disraeli, a British politician, once remarked. And, true to this saying, Zimbabwe took great steps last November to rename various military barracks in honour of veterans of the armed struggle and military supremos. It was long overdue to honour our fallen heroes. The country’s gallant fighters of the 1970s independence war must be commended and treasured for the sacrifices they made for us.
The renaming of barracks sends a signal, a signal to all Zimbabweans at home and abroad that courage, honour and sacrifice still mean something.
It is a message to our current and future veterans that they will not be forgotten when their time comes. It also a message to future generations about the sacrifice that our fallen heroes made to free this country from colonial repression and subjugation.
Renaming is more than just name giving; it represents an enduring signal for our collective memory and honour to women and men who gave up their lives to free and protect Zimbabwe while serving in the armed forces.
It is therefore a very important milestone in the history of Zimbabwe to pay tribute and give thanks for the immense sacrifice and gift these noble men and women have provided for this country.
It was befitting to see President Emmerson Mnangagwa presiding over the main event at King George VI Barracks in Harare, which was renamed after the late national hero, Cde Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks.
All other army barracks now bear the names of national heroes.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces spearheaded all events for the renaming of military barracks throughout the country.
The name-changing exercise restored dignity and pride in the country’s legacy of the national
liberation.
Namechanges were announced in line with Section 89 of the Defence Act (Chapter:02).
Brady Barracks in Bulawayo is now called Mzilikazi Barracks, while Cranborne cantonment and old Cranborne cantonment are now known as Charles Gumbo and Kaguvi Barracks, respectively.
Karuyana Barracks was changed to Chitekedza Barracks and 3 Brigade has been renamed to Herbert Chitepo Barracks.
Chipinga cantonment is now known as William Ndangana Barracks and 4 Brigade Barracks was changed to Gava Musungwa Zvinavashe Barracks.
Second Battalion was changed to Masvingo Barracks and Gutu Barracks is now referred to as Chinomukutu Barracks.
Andrew Louw School is now called Sengwe Barracks, while Stamford Dzivarasekwa has been renamed Dzivarasekwa Barracks.
Inkomo Camp was changed to Inkomo Barracks and Llewellin Barracks is now called Lookout Masuku Barracks. The Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru has been renamed Solomon Mujuru Barracks, while the Umtali cantonment is now known as the Charles Dauramanzi Barracks. Inkomo C am p (Mounted regiment) is now called Amoth Norbert Chingombe Barracks and Battalion Battle School Headquarters and Battalion Battle Training Area are now called the Rekayi Tangwena Barracks. Flyde Air Force Base is now called Jason Ziyapapa Moyo Air Force Base. Royal Rhodesian Thornhill Air Force Base has been renamed Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base. Recently, government also renamed the cantonment which houses the Zimbabwe National Defence University and other institutions the Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena Barracks. All this, the Government says, is being done to accord due respect, honour and recognition to veterans of the liberation struggle. “Today’s ceremony is the second of its kind, following the renaming of former KGVI Barracks to Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks. A good name is more desirable than great riches, hence it is indeed befitting after the late Cde Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena, who was a very fine gentleman and a commander in Zimbabwe’s war of liberation who paid the ultimate price for country,” President Mnangagwa was quoted saying at the event.
“He was indisputably one of the towering figures in the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle as the Commander of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra).
“The late Cde Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena was an embodiment of military professionalism, unity of purpose and a chief strategist par excellence.”
The President, further said Cde Mangena was one of the pioneering guerrilla cadres who laid the foundation for the formation of a formidable guerrilla fighting machine known as Zipra and was credited with introducing flotillas across Zambezi thereby easing the logistical problems associated with moving personnel across the mighty river.
While as a nation we may find our people split from time to time in politics, I count it among our greatest treasures that regardless of political affiliations we respect those who wear the uniform and are willing to pay the ultimate costs.
“By honouring the lives of those we admire, we make our own values known. Perhaps more clearly than words ever could,” Steve Jobs, an American inventor, designer and entrepreneur who was the co-founder of Apple Computers.
This is probably the most fitting words to explain the importance of honouring our fallen fighters, who sacrificed their lives to free Zimbabwe.
“The renaming of this cantonment after my father is a very humbling honour to the Mangena family,” Mr Lotshe Mangena was quoted saying at the ceremony. “We are indeed humbled. We remain grateful for this befitting honour.”