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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 49050, member: 636"] Zimbabwe's fight for freedom took a major turn at a small hall in Gweru back in 1964. ZANU leaders gathered at Mutapa Hall to hold their very first congress meeting. The building sits right in the middle of an old neighborhood and got its name from the ancient Munhumutapa kingdom. This meeting changed everything for people wanting to break free from colonial rule. The congress became the starting point for armed resistance against white settlers. Party members picked their top leaders during this historic gathering. Ndabaningi Sithole won the president's job and Leopold Takawira became his deputy. Herbert Chitepo took the chairman position and Robert Mugabe landed the secretary general role. Morris Nyagumbo grabbed the organizing secretary spot. These men would guide the country through years of fighting. The leaders made a bold statement about taking direct action against their oppressors. Earlier attempts at peaceful talks had failed to bring any real change. African countries like Zambia and Mozambique stepped up to help train freedom fighters. Kenneth Kaunda and Samora Machel opened their borders to support the cause. Emmerson Mnangagwa joined the congress after coming back from military training in China. The meeting had serious consequences for everyone involved. Colonial authorities started arresting and torturing the new leaders right away. Thomas Ziki remembers being beaten badly at Hwahwa prison along with other freedom fighters. The government wants to turn Mutapa Hall into a monument for future generations to remember this important moment. [/QUOTE]

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