ZAPU was represented by President Dumiso Dabengwa, Vice President Emilia Mukaratirwa, Council of Elders Secretary, Cde. Roma Nyathi and the Diaspora Regional Office staff based in Johannesburg. ZAPU attended the gala dinner on Saturday, January 7th which started at 17H00 and lasted until 03:00 the next morning. Among the speakers at the gala dinner were icons such as President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, former president of Zambia Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and others.
The main event on the 8th of January at Mangaung Stadium attracted thousands of attendees both foreign and South African. President Jacob Zuma's speech was preceded by that of Rev. Jesse Jackson one of the more than 20 Eminent persons who attended the celebrations. Due to the large number of solidarity messages reecived, it was not possible to read them all at any of the gatherings that took place of the weekend. Below is ZAPU's solidarity message.
January 6, 2012
ANC CENTENARY CELEBRATION SOLIDARITY MESSAGE FROM ZAPU
On this Centenary celebration of the African National Congress, ZAPU wishes to add its voice of solidarity with the ANC and the people of South Africa as a whole. ZAPU was born out of the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress (SRANC) which together with the ANC of Northern Rhodesia and the ANC of Nyasaland was a chapter of the ANC that is celebrating its 100th anniversary today. ZAPU was formed on December 17, 1961 and celebrated its 50th anniversary only a few weeks ago.
From this it is clear that ZAPU comes a long way in its relationship with the ANC. The ANC was the inspiration to the liberation struggles of the entire continent and in particular the peoples of Southern Africa. Most of our old party leaders first became members of the ANC during their study or employment in South Africa.
After the formation of Umkhonto WeSizwe by the ANC, our youth in Zimbabwe became inspired when they saw groups of MK recruits passing through the country for military training. From 1963, more Zimbabwean youth volunteered to join the liberation struggle. The ANC was always a leader in the OAU Liberation Committee discussions.
In 1967 the ANC and ZAPU committed themselves to an alliance that will jointly seek the liberation of the respective countries. Under the direction of both the ANC and ZAPU leadership our ZIPRA forces worked very closely with the ANC’s MK fighters. Examples of these joint operations are the Wankie campaign of 1967 and the Sipolilo campaign of 1968 where our guerrilla fighters fought in the same trenches. That alliance continued even under very daunting challenges throughout our liberation struggle up to the dispensation that led to the South Africa elections of 1994.
ZAPU has watched the ANC and taken a leaf from their way of operation throughout the liberation struggle. We have also admired how the ANC leadership has always succeeded in finding solutions under most challenging incidents of their history. Because of its history and experience, the ANC is obviously the most qualified organisation on the continent to assist other African states in resolving problems of the continent. We look forward to its untiring resolve and commitment in the development of our region.
We take note of the achievements that have been made by the ANC in government. We have seen the smooth transfer of power from the apartheid regime, the socio-economic reforms that have seen the uplifting of previously disadvantaged communities using just means, the manner in which the ANC has maintained and enhanced economic stability in South Africa. The ANC government is a leader in upholding democracy and human rights in Africa.
The ANC must continue to live for posterity because its demise would rob the continent of a rich history and experience of the liberation struggle of our continent.
This celebration certainly serves as an illustrious milestone for the whole continent of Africa.
Congratulations!
Amhlophe!
Makorokoto!
Fraternally yours,
__________________
Dr. Dumiso Dabengwa
ZAPU President
