Today in history:SAMORA MACHEL remembered

Today marks the 29th anniversary of the Mbuzini tragedy, and across the country, the laying of wreaths ceremonies at monuments to the Mozambican Heroes and other commemorative activities will mark the passing of Samora Moseis Machel, the first president of independent Mozambique.Samora was killed in a plane crash at Mbuzini on October 19 1986 along with 33 members of hisentourage, when his plane, returning from a Frontline countries’ regional summit in , Zambia, where security issues had been addressed,came down in South African territory in a tragedy which has never been satisfactorily explained. Residents of Matola municipality in Maputo province will pay homage at the monument to Samora Machel in Machava, in a ceremony headed by provincial governor Raimundo Diomba,who also presided over the ceremony held last Friday at the site of the accident, in South Africa.On that occasion, Diomba stressed that one way to preserve the memory of this national hero is to lend support to efforts to ensure and maintain peace and national unity, causes dear to President Machel.In Sofala, veteran combatants have called for greater awareness of the ideals of the first president in schools,as a way of instilling a culture of unity and peace among Mozambican youth.In Pemba, citizens argue that one way to enhance Samora Machel’s legacy is to continue to preserve national unity,peace and democracy, while in Nampula, they are defending his legacy by disseminating the history of his life and work.In Niassa,government officials,community and religious leaders and population are coming together in Lichinga to extol Machel’s deeds, and in Gaza, Xai Xai,commemorations of the passing of 29 years since the death of independent Mozambique’s first
president will also take place.
Source: Rádio Moçambique