Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the late Vice President Dr Simon Vengai Muzenda’s unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe’s liberation and development is an inspiration to everyone.
He said this in a statement to remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr Mzee, who died on this day in 2003.
The President said the nation continues to celebrate his humility, strong moral fibre, and commitment to the people’s well-being as Dr Muzenda played a pivotal role throughout the Liberation Struggle, serving as a key member of ZANU’s Central Committee, coordinating activities with Mozambique, and mobilising support for the struggle.
Dr Mzenda held several key positions in the country’s early nationalist movement.
He joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1957, whose risky pursuits he actively executed.
President Mnangagwa said, the late Vice President was instrumental in the formation of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 1960 and his other leadership roles included being Secretary-General of the British African National Voice Association (The Voice) in 1953, working alongside its leader, Benjamin Burombo; as Provincial Organizing Secretary of NDP (Victoria Province) in 1961; as Provincial Administrative Secretary of ZAPU in 1962; and as Deputy Organising Secretary of ZANU in 1964.
Dr Muzenda endured multiple spells of detention and imprisonment, yet remained resolute in his commitment to the nation’s freedom.
After Independence in 1980, Cde Muzenda continued to serve Zimbabwe with distinction, holding key positions such as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister, and Vice President.
President Mnangagwa said as the nation commemorates his death, Zimbabweans must reflect on his significant contributions to the country’s history and to the making of the Nation.
He added that the late Vice President’s humility, strong work ethic, and commitment to culture and values should inspire Zimbabweans towards attaining an upper-middle-income society status by 2030.
