Story by Reuben Barwe, Chief Correspondent
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to families who sacrificed their sons and daughters during the liberation struggle, as well as Zimbabweans in the diaspora who continue to contribute to national development, saying their collective sacrifices remain central to the country’s progress.
Addressing mourners at the burial of National Hero Ambassador Victor Matemadanda at the National Heroes Acre this Friday, President Mnangagwa said countless families and supporters, both within and beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, played a vital role in the country’s liberation by providing personnel, care and material support.
He said young people were instrumental in the liberation struggle, serving in various capacities beyond the battlefield.
“They served as frontline health workers, attending to the wounded and injured, until full recovery. Sadly, they also helped lay to rest thousands who perished in the rear. Despite being in foreign lands, many of our people never dodged national obligations. We should never forget their contributions,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also applauded Zimbabweans living abroad for continuing to support national development through their skills, investments and commitment to the country’s progress.
“I, therefore, pay tribute to all our citizens working and living in foreign lands, for playing their part in the ongoing national development, industrialisation and modernisation agenda. Zimbabwe is our home together. We all belong here in the sacred lands of our forefathers, and those who have remained at home shall always welcome those returning, with wide-open arms.”
Turning to the life of the late National Hero, President Mnangagwa described Ambassador Matemadanda as a principled patriot whose unwavering commitment to the liberation struggle and national development will remain an enduring inspiration.
“Cde Victor Matemadanda was unwavering in his ideological clarity, patriotism and loyalty to the values of the liberation struggle. He answered the call of our national armed struggle and remained fiercely dedicated to the complete economic liberation of Zimbabwe.”
He said Ambassador Matemadanda consistently advanced the country’s national interests and remained committed to improving the welfare of liberation war veterans.
“Cde Matemadanda remained principled, consistent and persistent, advancing core national interests and the values of ZANU PF. He was a champion of the welfare and integration of war veterans into the main party structures. His life in the struggle, military, party and Government, must remind us to serve our country with honour, guided by the correct line of our revolution. The earthly chapter of his service to our beloved motherland has ended, the task now lies with us to carry forward the work of building the Zimbabwe he helped to liberate.”
President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to emulate the late National Hero’s dedication by contributing to the country’s development through hard work, production and patriotism.
“Through production and productivity as well as an enduring sense of duty, we must all help to develop, modernise and industrialise our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe; the young and old alike, veterans and non- veterans, we are one united people, with one common vision and one destiny.”
The President also welcomed Zimbabwe’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, describing it as international recognition of the country’s commitment to peace and security.
