Africa-Press – Mozambique. The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, this Saturday expressed his satisfaction with the state of preparations at the Machava Stadium in Maputo, stating that “it is going well” and that everything will be ready to host the central festivities of the 50th anniversary of national independence by June 25.
During his visit to the emblematic venue, the head of state called for unity, peace and active participation of Mozambicans in the celebrations, and paid a heartfelt tribute to journalist Atanásio Marcos, who had died the day before, highlighting his legacy as a member of the new generation of Mozambican media.
Speaking to the press at the end of the morning visit, the statesman stated that, according to information from the technicians involved, the stadium will be “completely ready” by the 24th, the date set for the general rehearsal of the celebrations. “The final rehearsal will be held so that on June 25, when we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our national independence, we can have everything ready and host the celebration in perfect conditions,” he said.
President Chapo invited all Mozambicans, especially residents of Greater Maputo, to take part in the celebration at the site where independence was proclaimed in 1975. “I would like to take this opportunity to invite the Mozambican population, from Rovuma to Maputo and from Zumbo to the Indian Ocean, and in particular Greater Maputo […] so that on June 25, all roads lead here to the Machava Stadium, which has been completely refurbished,” he said.
On the occasion, Daniel Chapo congratulated the Mozambique Railways (CFM) on the 130th anniversary of its foundation and praised the rehabilitation of the Machava Stadium as a “gift to the entire Mozambican population.” “We would like to congratulate the Mozambique Railways [CFM], […] which is celebrating its 130th anniversary and is offering us this gift, […] because it is here that national independence was proclaimed on 25 June 1975 by the late President Samora Moisés Machel,” he declared.
Stressing the importance of the occasion, the President of the Republic said that the celebration of the 50th anniversary should also be an opportunity to assess the country’s progress and set goals for the future. “During these 50 years there have been many achievements, but there are also challenges and we will continue to work. […] We will assess what the past 50 years have been and plan for the next 50 years,” he highlighted.
The head of state called for the individual responsibility of each citizen in building the country, stressing that development is only possible in an environment of stability. “There is no development without peace and security, which is why peace and security are fundamental assets. […] The most important thing is that each of us must do our part to maintain peace, reconciliation and, above all, love for our neighbour and brotherhood,” he said.
In the same context, the Mozambican president sent a message of condolences for the death of journalist Atanásio Marcos, who passed away on Friday. “I would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest condolences to the family of journalist Atanásio Marcos, who unfortunately lost his life,” he said.
President Chapo described Atanásio Marcos as a “great journalist and television presenter, a great patriot” who stood out for his professionalism and passion. “He was a young journalist who made his mark in life and, equally, a patriot who presented the news with passion,” he said.
Evoking names such as Simeão Ponguana and Emílio Manhique as symbols of previous generations, the president highlighted Atanásio as a role model for the current generation. “Therefore, we have lost a great journalist and we would like to take this opportunity to offer our deepest condolences to the grieving family, to Television of Mozambique and to all media,” he concluded.
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