Work begins on Chinhoyi shrine

WORK on the first phase of the Chinhoyi Battle Shrine in honour of the seven heroes who pioneered the Second Chimurenga has begun after consulting the families.

This follows the release of about $150 000 towards the project by Government recently.

The ground-breaking ceremony is expected to be officiated by President Mnangagwa.

In an interview, National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe executive director Dr Godfrey Mahachi said a team was despatched last week to consult family members before the project could commence.

“As part of this project, there was need for consultations with family members from a cultural and traditional perspective,” he said.

“We are happy that a team that was deployed last week to meet with all the families of the heroes managed to meet them. We are happy to also report that concurrence for the project to go ahead was given.”

Local chiefs were also engaged in line with tradition and customs which require their involvement before any project can commence in their areas.

“Traditional leaders around Chinhoyi are being engaged as well,” said Mr Mahachi.

“Word has reached them and we hope that all matters to do with cultural issues will be finalised in the shortest possible time.”

The first phase of the project, he said, involved upgrading and rehabilitation of the mass grave where the seven heroes were buried following the fierce 1966 battle.

“Work has practically commenced on phase 1 of the project and it involves rehabilitation and upgrading of the mass grave where the Chinhoyi Seven Heroes are buried,” said Dr Mahachi.

Phase 2 also involves the development of a field museum within the 1966 battle site with illustrative panels telling the story of the battle and development of visitor amenities.

The seven comrades who perished during the Chinhoyi Battle were Simon Chin’ozha, David Guzuzu, Godwin Manyerenyere, Christopher Chatambudza, Godfrey Dube Matsikidze, Arthur Maramba and Sawana Mutendadzamera.

One of the key researchers in the project, Father Emmanuel Ribeiro said although the relatives pointed out delays in implementing the project in honour of the seven, they were glad that it was finally happening.

“When we went to see the relatives to explain to them what was on the cards they pointed out that it was a long overdue programme, but expressed happiness that the seven were finally being honoured,” said Fr Ribeiro.