This year, 2007, marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the Wankie and Sipolio campaigns during which the combatants of uMkhonto weSizwe and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army, Zipra, crossed in the then Rhodesia and took on the military might of white domination in fierce combat symbolising the real and concrete solidarity of the people of Zimbabwe and giving expression to the ANC's Pan-Africanism and internationalism.
The units of Zipra and uMkhonto weSizwe forces were not only physically prepared, but also thoroughly politically prepared and they were very developed with the understanding for the need to forge a strong relationship between the forces of uMkhonto weSizwe and the Zipra forces and what we call the Zipra and uMkhonto Alliance. The spirit of cohesion and unity between us and Zimbabwe African People's Union, Zapu, was magnificent. We were working together as one unit consulting and discussing together. The biggest legacy of the Luthuli Detachment at Wankie was a sword of absolute commitment of our fighters to the revolution to an extent where to them things like hunger and thirst were not primary. It is this spirit of unity and cohesion and absolute commitment is displayed by the Luthuli Detachment that our country and our people need. Amandla! [Power!]