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Nqobile Tshili/Nokuthaba Ncube

FORMER Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) fighters, who trained in the then Soviet Union, experienced a nostalgic moment as they reminisced about their participation in the armed struggle and their training during an exhibition that opened in Bulawayo on Thursday.

The group of former freedom fighters were among the guests who attended the opening of the Soviet Russia Art Exhibition titled “The Role of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and Russia in African Liberation” at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The exhibition, which will run until the end of the year, showcases how the USSR and Russia contributed to the liberation of African countries, including Zimbabwe.

Officials from the Russian State University for Humanities organised the exhibition materials and participated in the opening ceremony. For some of the freedom fighters who trained in Russia, the event provided an opportunity to converse in Russian with the delegation and even exchange contacts.

The USSR, of which Russia was a part, contributed to the liberation of Zimbabwe through military aid provided to ZIPRA, among other forms of assistance. 

Mr Alexander Zotin, a representative of the Russian State University for Humanities, emphasised the importance of the exhibition in reviving the liberation memories between the Eastern European country and Zimbabwe.

Russia trained pioneer freedom fighters and other delegates at ‘The Role of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and Russia in African Liberation’ exhibition opening ceremony at the National Gallery in Bulawayo recently

“This archival and documentary exhibition is very important because it revives the relationship between the Zimbabwean people and the Russian people. It’s our common struggle against colonialism. Our team at the Russian State University for Humanities gathered archival and documentary materials, photographs, and documents from state and private archives to depict this history of our struggle, with Russian advisors and ZIPRA cadres fighting shoulder to shoulder against oppressors,” said Mr Zotin. 

He highlighted the importance of documenting history, as no nation can exist without it.

Zotin also said that his country has taken deliberate steps to strengthen relations with African countries, with Zimbabwe being a priority. 

“We are trying to revive our ties with Africa, particularly with Zimbabwe, because we have friends here. This is very important for us; it is our priority,” he said.

Former freedom fighter Cde Perseverance Mazinyane expressed her excitement about the continued close relations between Zimbabwe and Russia. Having spent over a decade living in Russia, she described Russians as warm people. 

“Russians have been our friends, and events like these make us happy because we are being recognised. We are still together with our friends who stood with us during the war for our independence. Even post-independence, the Government maintained a Look East Policy, including Russia, meaning we are still in close ranks with the Russians,” said Cde Mazinyane.

“We received a lot of military and resource support from the Russians, which is why we continue to align with Russia today. I stayed with them for 10 years, and they respect other people, without discrimination on racial grounds. They respect your dignity as individuals,” she said.

The gallery depicted how Russia assisted African countries in attaining independence from Western colonisers. Speaking at the exhibition’s official opening, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said the gallery was important as it allowed for reflection on the historical ties between Africa and  Russia, leveraging a relationship built on mutual respect and the shared aspiration for freedom for all people. “The archival and documentary exhibition we are unveiling is more than just a collection of photographs and documents; it is a testament to the friendship forged in the struggle against oppression. It highlights the invaluable role the USSR played in supporting various liberation movements across Africa, particularly in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe, where colonial powers resisted the call for freedom,” said Minister Ncube.

Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube and National Gallery Regional Director Mrs Silenkosi Moyo tour exhibits at ‘The Role of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and Russia in African Liberation’ exhibition opening ceremony held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo recently (Pictures by Allen Ndebele)

She noted that from the early 1960s, the USSR provided crucial support to ZIPRA forces, training its members and assisting in military strategies. Minister Ncube emphasised that these efforts were not merely about military aid but also about fostering a sense of unity, purpose, and hope among those fighting for their dignity and rights.

The exhibition showcases how the Soviet Union supported Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, and the broader Southern African region. 

“We see how the USSR’s commitment to internationalism and solidarity translated into concrete actions that assisted African nations in their quest for liberation. The exhibition also reminds us of the pivotal moments that shaped our history. The 1957 Youth Festival in Moscow was a significant turning point, where thousands of African youths found inspiration and opportunities for education, paving the way for future leaders who would rise to challenge colonial rule,” said Minister Ncube.

She highlighted the contributions of Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Nkomo, to the liberation of the country through his diplomatic efforts. 

“The establishment of ZIPRA training camps in Angola exemplifies the collaborative efforts of nations united against colonialism, demonstrating that liberation was a collective endeavour. As we reflect on these historical ties, it is essential to recognise the sacrifices made by countless individuals.

“As we explore the rich narrative of this exhibition, let us not only celebrate the past but also draw lessons for the future. The spirit of cooperation that characterised the relationship between the USSR and African liberation movements serves as a powerful reminder that together, we can overcome even the                 most daunting challenges,” she said.

Bulawayo’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, also speaking at the opening of the exhibition, said the portraits reflect that the country’s liberation was a product of solidarity that transcended local boundaries. He stated that international co-operation remains a strategic tool for Zimbabwe’s success.

“Zimbabwe’s journey to independence was not undertaken alone; it was supported by allies who believed in our cause and fought alongside us. This battle was not just fought with guns but also through education, with many Zimbabweans trained in Russia in various skills such as education, skills, and medicine.

“This exhibition not only highlights the past but encourages us to engage in discussions about the present and future. It invites us to ponder how international relationships can foster solidarity in the face of adversity. It is a call to action for us to continue building bridges of understanding and cooperation among nations,” Clr Ndlovu said.

Some exhibits show soldiers from various African states being trained by Russian and Cuban military strategists. One exhibit citation reads: “The USSR protected and defended African states on the world stage. In 1973, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Suppression of the Crime of Apartheid together with Guinea. The Soviet Union defended the principles of equality and self-determination of peoples at the United Nations, condemned the criminal policies pursued by the racist regimes in South Africa, and advocated the isolation of those regimes. 

“Additionally, the USSR reaffirmed its readiness to support the proposal of African states to impose sanctions on Southern Rhodesia and South Africa. It opposed interference in the internal affairs of the liberated states and supported demands that the process of dismantling colonialism be extended to the economic sphere as well.” —@nqotshili