Kamungoma Liberation War Memorial Site: Tourism branding honouring Zimbabwe’s liberation fighters

Charles Mavhunga

NESTLED in the Nemashakwe resettlement area in Gutu East, the Kamungoma Liberation War Memorial Site stands as a powerful tribute to the country’s brave liberation fighters.

Through its rich history and significant cultural importance, this site not only honours the past, it also offers a unique opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in Zimbabwe’s journey to freedom.

The history of Kamungoma

The Kamungoma massacre took place on May 14, 1978 during the country’s liberation struggle against colonial rule.

The incident occurred when a group of liberation war fighters from the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and unarmed civilians were ambushed and surrounded by Rhodesian security forces in the Kamungoma area at a ‘pungwe’ gathering.

ZANLA forces held pungwe meetings with civilians at night in secluded areas to educate them about the purpose of the war, share war intelligence with the masses and boost the morale among fighters.

The pungwe meetings were characterised by strict discipline, secrecy and a strong sense of camaraderie among participants.

They played a vital role in coordinating guerrilla activities and fostering unity within the liberation movement, contributing significantly to the eventual success of Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.

However, at Kamungoma area in Masvingo, the Rhodesian forces launched a brutal attack at one of the pungwe meetings, resulting in a tragic massacre of innocent lives that were dedicated to the cause of freedom and independence for Zimbabwe.

The massacre became the rallying cry for the liberation struggle, galvanising support for the cause and strengthening the resolve of those fighting for freedom.

The sacrifice and courage displayed by the fallen fighters at Kamungoma became a symbol of resistance and resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring others to continue the struggle for liberation.

His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, officially inaugurated Kamungoma as a heritage site on April 3, 2024, with the primary objective of preserving Zimbabwe’s rich historical legacy and demonstrating the nation’s unwavering commitment to honouring its liberation heroes.

The decision to designate Kamungoma as a pivotal national asset is informed by prominent global paradigms such as Robben Island in South Africa, which is renowned for its symbolic representation of the enduring struggle for freedom and justice.

This formal recognition holds profound implications for tourism branding efforts aimed at enticing visitors and nurturing a collective sense of national pride and cohesion among Zimbabwean citizens.

Historical significance

The Kamungoma massacre is a powerful and poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for liberation in Zimbabwe.

This act of remembrance not only honours the memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle to liberate the country from colonial captivity, it also serves as a powerful educational tool for future generations.

At the international level, the Kamungoma Liberation War Memorial Site illustrates the equal importance of preserving historical sites to commemorate significant events.

For instance, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City stands as a poignant tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The preservation of site at the World Trade Centre creates a space for reflection and remembrance, and the memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of that tragic day in American history.

Similarly, the Srebrenica–Potočari Memorial in Bosnia and Herzegovina commemorates the massacre of thousands of Bosnian Muslims during the Bosnian War.

The memorial site serves as a place of remembrance and education, honouring the memory of the victims and highlighting the atrocities committed during the conflict.

It is, therefore, against this background that through commissioning a heritage site at the Kamungoma massacre location that Zimbabwe follows in the footsteps of international examples, by creating a space that honours the sacrifices made during the struggle for liberation, and this serves to educate visitors about the country’s history.

This heritage site has the potential to become a symbol of resilience, courage and determination, showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and historical legacy to both local and international audiences.

Educational tourism

The establishment of Kamungoma Liberation War Memorial Site as a heritage site presents a powerful opportunity for Zimbabwe to commemorate and remember the sacrifices made by individuals during the struggle for liberation.

International examples showcase how such sites can serve as poignant reminders of historical events and contribute to tourism branding.

For instance, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, offering visitors a space for reflection and remembrance.

The site’s preservation and commemoration of the atrocities committed during World War II honours the memory of those who perished and also educate visitors about the horrors of the past.

Similarly, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan serves as a symbol of peace and a reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare.

It is through preserving the site of the atomic bombing and commemorating the lives lost that Japan has created a powerful memorial that attracts visitors from around the world seeking to pay their respects and learn about the consequences of war.

These international examples demonstrate how heritage sites can serve as important educational tools for remembrance and tourism branding through highlighting the significance of preserving historical locations like the Kamungoma Liberation War Memorial Site in Zimbabwe.

Tourism branding

The commissioning of the Kamungoma Liberation War Memorial Site as a heritage site holds significant economic value in the context of tourism branding for Zimbabwe.

By promoting Kamungoma as a heritage site, Zimbabwe can position itself as a destination that offers a unique and enlightening experience for tourists interested in exploring the country’s historical heritage, thereby enhancing its tourism industry and contributing to economic growth.

This strategic initiative aims to enrich the cultural heritage of Zimbabwe, foster educational tourism, memorialise significant historical occurrences and cultivate a distinctive tourism portfolio that distinguishes the nation as a destination endowed with a profound and compelling historical narrative.

 

*Charles Mavhunga has co-authored textbooks in Business Enterprising Skills and is currently studying for a PhD in Management at Bindura University of Science Education. He can be contacted at [email protected]; Cell: 0772989816