Renaming of barracks: Immortalising memories

HE leads, we follow!

As we remember our fallen heroes today, may we all take time to think of the acts of appreciation that we may render their memories for a job well done in freeing us from colonisers.

We too, can follow in the footsteps of President Mnangagwa who immortalised their memory by renaming our army barracks after their names in a bid to ensure we never forget their sacrifices.

Now we don’t only have street names to remind us of our great mothers and fathers but training institutions that will exist for centuries to come. Through a Government Gazette, President Mnangagwa renamed Llewellin Barracks which is now called Lookout Masuku Barracks.

Lieutenant General Lookout Khalisabantu Vumindaba Masuku was a Zipra commander during Rhodesian bush war and is mostly remembered for leading and training most cadres.

Cde Jeffrey Ndlovu who lost his sight during the armed struggle recently hailed the Government for honouring the fallen heroes saying the development will keep their memory live in people’s hearts. “We are very proud in the recognition we receive from the Government for the efforts that were made in the liberation of this country. It is a really good thing that they did,” said Cde Ndlovu.

Cde Ndlovu recalled meeting Cde Masuku when he was undergoing military training at Morogoro, Tanzania in 1970. Both were instructors at the camp.

The naming changes were made in line with Section 89 of the Defence Act (Chapter: 02) and the Brady Barracks in Bulawayo is now called Mzilikazi Barracks.

King George VI Barracks and Air Force headquarters is now known as the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks. Cranborne cantonment and old Cranborne cantonment are now known as Charles Gumbo and Kaguvi Barracks respectively.

Karuyana Barracks has changed to Chitekedza Barracks and 3 Brigade has been renamed to Herbert Chitepo Barracks. Chipinga cantonment is now known as William Ndangana Barracks while 4 Brigade Barracks has changed to Gava Musungwa Zvinavashe Barracks.

Second Battalion has 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 has changed to Inkomo Barracks and 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 Camp (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 while the Royal Rhodesian Thornhill Airforce Base has changed to Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base.

The truth is I may not be well versed with in depth knowledge on what these did but one thing I know is all of us born free have a role to play in celebrating their work.

We may not rename institutions or have powers to calls streets after them but we can gather inspiration from our leaders.

There is a lot to desire from their personalities which if emulated will motivate us to build a better Zimbabwe. Some sacrificed family time, their dream careers and their comfort so we could enjoy our God given rights in this our precious land.

They may be late but their memory lives on!