Online Reporter
THE Government is scaling up policies and programmes to fully realise the aspirations that inspired Zimbabwe’s sons and daughters to wage the protracted liberation struggle, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
Addressing mourners at the burial of national hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Samuel Mpabanga, at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Wednesday, the President said national unity, peace, development and social cohesion remain central to the Second Republic’s agenda.
He said the devolution and decentralisation drive is being accelerated to ensure inclusive growth, adding that no person, place or region should be left behind.
“Numerous progress are ongoing in various districts of the province to improve road infrastructure, water availability, agriculture productivity and energy access,” he said.
President Mnangagwa described Brigadier General Mpabanga (Rtd) as a gallant son of Zimbabwe who played an indelible role in the liberation struggle and served the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with courage, integrity and distinction after independence.
“His leadership, commitment and adaptability inspired many,” he said, conveying condolences on behalf of the ruling ZANU PF party, Government and his family to the Mpabanga family.
Born in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, in 1956, Mpabanga grew up during an era marked by colonial land dispossession under laws such as the Land Apportionment Act and the Native Land Husbandry Act. He was nine when Ian Smith’s regime issued the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965. He attended Mapate Primary School, Beitbridge Primary School, Manama Mission and Matobo Secondary School, institutions the President said were centres of political awakening that propelled many youths into the liberation struggle.
In 1977, Cde Mpabanga crossed into Botswana to join ZIPRA. After imprisonment at Selibe Pikwe Prison, he was airlifted to Zambia and trained at Nampundwe and Mulungushi camps before proceeding to Odessa in the former USSR for further military instruction. Returning in 1979, he served as an instructor in Solwezi and was later deployed to Siabonga along the Zambezi River as a Military Commissariat before being attested into the Zimbabwe National Army in 1980.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s history, culture and the solidarity received during the liberation war as well as the experience of Western sanctions continue to shape the country’s national character and foreign policy.
“We remain an independent, free and sovereign people, a friend to all and an enemy of none, driven by our national interests,” he said, adding that Zimbabwe would continue to build bridges in pursuit of global peace, security and shared development.
Cde Mpabanga rose through the ranks of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, undertaking professional military courses in line with his advancement. His decorations include the Liberation Medal, Independence of Zimbabwe Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, DRC Campaign Medal and the Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit.
The President said the late General was humble, disciplined and loyal, never seeking special recognition. Upon his retirement in August 2022, he was promoted to Brigadier General.
President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans, particularly the youth, to draw lessons from liberation war heroes and defend the country’s sovereignty.
“Zimbabwe is an independent country. We shall do that which is right and necessary for us so that our people can enjoy a higher quality of life and well-being,” he said.
Meanwhile, this year’s Independence Day celebrations will be held in Matabeleland South, the late general’s home province.
