By Aldridge Dzvene
HARARE – His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has underscored that safeguarding Zimbabwe’s independence now demands disciplined nation building, responsible stewardship of national resources and the deliberate cultivation of patriotic values, as the country honoured National Hero Major General (Rtd) Everisto Dzihwema at the National Heroes Acre.
Addressing mourners on Monday, President Mnangagwa portrayed the life of the late liberation war veteran as representative of a generation whose sacrifices secured Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, arguing that the responsibility of the present generation is to convert that political freedom into sustainable economic prosperity, institutional strength and national unity.
The President said Major General (Rtd) Dzihwema’s life reflected unwavering dedication to national service, beginning with his decision to join the armed liberation struggle as a teenager before serving with distinction in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and later occupying senior leadership positions in Government.
He said the late National Hero’s progression through the military and public service illustrated the enduring importance of professionalism, integrity, discipline and loyalty in strengthening State institutions and advancing national development priorities.
President Mnangagwa traced the late National Hero’s revolutionary consciousness to the historical injustices of colonial rule, noting that land dispossession, racial discrimination and systematic oppression compelled many young Zimbabweans to sacrifice their personal ambitions for the collective struggle to reclaim national sovereignty.
The President said that history should not merely be remembered as a record of past events but should remain a guide for contemporary national development, reminding Zimbabweans that the defence of independence extends beyond the battlefield into economic production, social cohesion and responsible citizenship.
He said reforms being implemented under the Second Republic continue to generate measurable progress across key sectors of the economy, making it imperative for citizens to protect national assets and contribute towards inclusive economic transformation.
“I appeal to all our people in every social sector, to be good stewards over the resources, as well as the prosperity that we are witnessing in our country, and the additional wealth expected, as we draw closer towards the realisation of Vision 2030,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s abundant natural resources, expanding infrastructure, agricultural potential and mineral wealth should be managed with a long-term national outlook that guarantees prosperity for future generations rather than immediate consumption.
He further stressed that national identity remains one of Zimbabwe’s strategic assets, calling upon families, schools, churches, traditional leaders and communities to deliberately instil patriotism, honesty, discipline and respect for national values among young people.
The President said preserving Zimbabwe’s national character is essential for maintaining unity and social stability while ensuring that future generations appreciate the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.
President Mnangagwa also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to facilitating the safe, orderly and dignified reintegration of Zimbabweans returning from the diaspora, describing their successful reintegration as a shared national responsibility requiring collaboration between Government, communities, traditional leaders, churches, the private sector and development partners.
Paying tribute to the late National Hero, President Mnangagwa said Major General (Rtd) Dzihwema demonstrated that true leadership is measured by consistent service, humility, competence and commitment to national interests over personal gain.
“The focus remains on delivering transformative results, towards improving the quality of life of our people. I urge the nation, in particular the young generation, to take a leaf from the exemplary life of the late National Hero Major General (Rtd) Dzihwema who distinguished himself through unparalleled discipline, sacrifice, hard-work and a fierce commitment to the ethos of the liberation struggle,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa said the enduring legacy of Major General (Rtd) Dzihwema lies not only in his contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation and defence, but also in the values he embodied throughout his life, values of patriotism, loyalty, integrity, humility and selfless service, which he said remain indispensable as Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030.
