MSASA INDUSTRIAL TRAINING COLLEGE

National Studies 2022

Theory Assament 1

Name: Gift

Surname: Chingwanga

Level : NC1

Department : Electrical Power Engineering

Subject : NASS

5 National Symbols of Zimbabwe

The flag of Zimbabwe was accepted on 22 March 1980 and raised on 18 April to mark
independence. Zimbabwe's national flag consists of seven even horizontal stripes of green, gold,
red, and black with a white triangle containing a red 5-pointed star with a Zimbabwe bird.The
soapstone bird featured on the flag represents a statuette of a bird found at the ruins of the Great
Zimbabwe. The bird symbolises the History of Zimbabwe. The red star beneath it officially
stands for the nations aspirations.

MEANING OF COLOURS ON THE FLAG.

* Great represents vegetation and agriculture.

* Red represents the blood shed during the war of liberation.

* Yellow/gold represents the country's mineral wealth.

* Black represents the black majority.

* White triangle represents peace.

* Zimbabwean bird represents the nation's Emblem.

* Red star represents the nation's aspirations.

The unique golden bird, also known as the Great Zimbabwean bird (Hungwe) is a national
emblem of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean bird is likely a representation of the African fish eagle.
This unique soapstone bird sculptures are about 40 centimeters (16inches) tall. It was stone
carved from soapstone by the Shona people (Katanga).This national emblem appears on the flag
of Zimbabwe, court of arms, bank notes and coins(Zimbabwean dollar). It's believed to be a
sacred and totemic animal of the Shona (Karanga) and held to be a messanger from Mwari (God)
and their ancestors.

The national anthem was written by Professor Solomon Mutsvairo and composed by Fred
Chamundega. The national anthem translates into three main languages of Zimbabwe which are
Shona, Ndebele and English. The national anthem is played at 0600 hours Zimbabwe time each
morning at schools and radio broadcasters. It is also played at events like the Olympic games,
festivals and national holidays. The national anthem was first introduced in March 1994 in order
to replace "Ishe Komborerai Africa" with a new distinct Zimbabwean song. “Proudly lift high the
flag of the land of Zimbabwe" is the song and it eulogies the history and tradition of the people
of Zimbabwe.

The Court of Arms of Zimbabwe was adopted by the President on the 12th of September 1981, 1
year 5months after the flag. The Court of Arms depicts two kudus on the left and right, each
standing on top of an earthly mound composed of stalks, wheat, cotton and a head of maize. This
represents the plants from which food and clothing is obtained. The kudus symbolize the unity of
the ethnic groups which comprise the people of the country. is a banner emblazoned with the
Zimbabwean National Motto (Unity Freedom Work).This symbolizes the need to maintain the
desire for national unity and will to work for the preservation of freedom. The shield itself is
green, featuring 14 waves of alternating white and blue waved lines, the Green shield symbolizes
the fertility of the countries soil and water, blue and white wavy lines symbolizes prosperity. At
the center is the ancient Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe which symbolizes the historical heritage of
Zimbabwe. Placed behind the shield are an agricultural hoe and AK-47 automatic rifle which
symbolize the transition from war to peace. On the crest is the Great Zimbabwean bird which is a
distinctive national emblem. Behind the Great Zimbabwean bird is the red star, an ancient
symbol of hope for the future.

The National Heroes Acre, our revered shrine, is the pride of the people of Zimbabwe .It is a
symbol of bravery and selflessness for those whose remains are laid to rest there. Towering and
selflessness for those remains are laid to rest there. Towering majestically is the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier, which symbolizes the final resting place for tens and thousands of
Zimbabweans who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom and independence, but
whose remains are scattered in valleys, disused mines, caves, unknown graves and mass graves
spread across the nation and in neighboring states. Zimbabwe’s war of liberation was the epic of
the revolutionary spirit that characterize modern Zimbabweans. We are fighters, hence our own
liberators- in every sphere, political and economic.

SOURCE : Wikipedia.com ,Google, geeksforgeeks.com

Nass studies

1.State and describe 5 national symbols of Zimbabwe.