Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to safeguard the ideals of the liberation struggle as the country prepares to mark its 46th Independence anniversary next month.
The call was made on Friday during the burial of national hero Brigadier General (Rtd) Jonathan Willie Hungwe at the National Heroes Acre.
Addressing mourners, President Mnangagwa said the sacrifices made by liberation fighters must continue to guide Zimbabwe’s development and unity.
“The late National Hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Jonathan Willie Hungwe, among other deceased and living veterans of our Liberation War, sacrificed their lives for the independence and development of Zimbabwe. Let us continue to honour them by defending the revolution and seeing to completion the work they did to build and develop the Zimbabwe we all deserve,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa urged citizens to use the period of national reflection to renew their commitment to building a modern and prosperous nation.
“As we mourn his passing, we also rekindle our resolve to develop, modernise and industrialise our motherland, Zimbabwe. I call upon all our people, at every level, to close ranks and work with greater unity of purpose to realise the social, economic and political objectives we set for ourselves,” President Mnangagwa said.
President Mnangagwa added that progress recorded under the Second Republic across key sectors should inspire citizens to remain focused on national development.
“The strides we continue to make under the Second Republic with regards to infrastructure development, agriculture, mining, tourism, as well as in the manufacturing and education sectors should be a source of constant motivation,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day celebrations will be held in Matabeleland South Province, with the main commemorations set for Maphisa as part of the government’s policy of decentralising national events and ensuring inclusive development.
Several infrastructure projects are currently under construction in Maphisa as part of the legacy developments associated with the national celebrations.
This year’s commemorations will run under the theme: “Zim@46 – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
