By PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA URGES ZIMBABWEANS TO EMULATE MSIKA’S LEGACY IN DRIVING VISION 2030
By Aldridge Dzvene
HARARE – President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of the late former Vice President Joseph Wilfred Msika, saying the values of sacrifice, patriotism, national unity and equitable development that defined his life remain essential in driving the country’s transformation towards Vision 2030.
In a message marking the 17th anniversary of Cde Msika’s passing, President Mnangagwa said the veteran nationalist’s contribution extends beyond the liberation struggle, providing a moral and developmental foundation upon which the Second Republic continues to build an inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe.
The President’s message places national history within the broader context of contemporary development, illustrating how the ideals that inspired the liberation struggle continue to shape Zimbabwe’s governance philosophy. Rather than viewing liberation solely as a historical achievement, Government increasingly frames it as the foundation for economic empowerment, social justice and national development.
President Mnangagwa described Cde Msika as a selfless patriot who dedicated his life to securing Zimbabwe’s independence, enduring imprisonment, including detention at Gonakudzingwa, before continuing to serve the nation in the post-independence era.
“Our great Nation solemnly joins the Msika family in commemorating the 17th Anniversary of the passing on of Cde Joseph Wilfred Msika, a staunch veteran nationalist and Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe from 1999 to 2009,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President noted that after Independence, Cde Msika remained committed to promoting equitable development and social empowerment, particularly through his support for the Land Reform Programme, reflecting a leadership philosophy centred on improving the livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans.
His remarks come as the country prepares to commemorate Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day, occasions that honour men and women whose sacrifices secured Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and created the conditions for self-determined national development.
“It is only befitting that Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora take time to reflect on the life of struggle, sacrifice and service which the late Vice President Joseph Msika personified,” the President said.
The President further linked Cde Msika’s legacy to the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2, saying the values of patriotism, unity, tolerance and service remain indispensable as Zimbabwe enters the final phase of the strategy before attaining Vision 2030.
From a national development perspective, the commemoration reinforces Government’s position that sustainable development is anchored not only on infrastructure, investment and economic growth, but also on the preservation of national values that promote social cohesion, responsible leadership and collective participation in nation-building.
As Zimbabwe advances towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy, President Mnangagwa’s message underscores that the legacy of liberation icons such as Cde Joseph Wilfred Msika continues to serve as a guiding framework for building a united, resilient and prosperous nation committed to leaving no one and no place behind. Dzvene
HARARE – President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of the late former Vice President Joseph Wilfred Msika, saying the values of sacrifice, patriotism, national unity and equitable development that defined his life remain essential in driving the country’s transformation towards Vision 2030.
In a message marking the 17th anniversary of Cde Msika’s passing, President Mnangagwa said the veteran nationalist’s contribution extends beyond the liberation struggle, providing a moral and developmental foundation upon which the Second Republic continues to build an inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe.
The President’s message places national history within the broader context of contemporary development, illustrating how the ideals that inspired the liberation struggle continue to shape Zimbabwe’s governance philosophy. Rather than viewing liberation solely as a historical achievement, Government increasingly frames it as the foundation for economic empowerment, social justice and national development.
President Mnangagwa described Cde Msika as a selfless patriot who dedicated his life to securing Zimbabwe’s independence, enduring imprisonment, including detention at Gonakudzingwa, before continuing to serve the nation in the post-independence era.
“Our great Nation solemnly joins the Msika family in commemorating the 17th Anniversary of the passing on of Cde Joseph Wilfred Msika, a staunch veteran nationalist and Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe from 1999 to 2009,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President noted that after Independence, Cde Msika remained committed to promoting equitable development and social empowerment, particularly through his support for the Land Reform Programme, reflecting a leadership philosophy centred on improving the livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans.
His remarks come as the country prepares to commemorate Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day, occasions that honour men and women whose sacrifices secured Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and created the conditions for self-determined national development.
“It is only befitting that Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora take time to reflect on the life of struggle, sacrifice and service which the late Vice President Joseph Msika personified,” the President said.
The President further linked Cde Msika’s legacy to the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2, saying the values of patriotism, unity, tolerance and service remain indispensable as Zimbabwe enters the final phase of the strategy before attaining Vision 2030.
From a national development perspective, the commemoration reinforces Government’s position that sustainable development is anchored not only on infrastructure, investment and economic growth, but also on the preservation of national values that promote social cohesion, responsible leadership and collective participation in nation-building.
As Zimbabwe advances towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy, President Mnangagwa’s message underscores that the legacy of liberation icons such as Cde Joseph Wilfred Msika continues to serve as a guiding framework for building a united, resilient and prosperous nation committed to leaving no one and no place behind.
