Nation urged to unite for Heroes’ Day
Heroes Day celebrations were an important event in Zimbabwe’s calendar because they provided an opportunity for Zimbabweans to remember the struggles they went through to recover freedom.
He said Nyadzonia, Tembwe, Chimoio in Mozambique and Mulungushi and Freedom Camp in Zambia were stark reminders of a racist settler regime that ran amok pursuing exiled Zimbabweans.
“Similar genocide was being perpetrated especially to the rural population across swathes of contested military territory. Zimbabweans were tenaciously determined to master modern warfare to defeat the settler catspaw of a first rate European military power,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.
He said all that dying and suffering that brought about independence can only be sustained by a better Zimbabwe where majority of the population enjoys unconditional access to the country’s resources as well as due rewards for their hard work. Cde Mutsvangwa said this aspiration remains relevant especially in the aftermath of Operation Restore Legacy.
“The ideals of that generation were being subverted as political selfishness took national centre stage. Economic decay was destroying the promise of rosy and vibrant future,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.
He said with President-elect Mnangagwa, hope for a better Zimbabwe is now rekindled.
“Local and global business interests are palpably confident once again. Infusions of capital as we reengage erstwhile adversaries and cement tested friendships will see Zimbabwe become a haven of business acumen. Jobs will be created as well as educated labour force engages in producing world class goods and services to meet the most discerning of the global market place,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.
Zanu-PF national youth chairperson Cde Pupurai Togarepi said youths were also ready and committed to supporting today’s event.
He said for them, Heroes Day commemorations provide a platform to reflect on the role youths can also play in defending a country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. “Heroes are the people who contributed immensely to the emancipation of this country. All the dignity and pride we enjoy today was made possible through the sacrifice which these people made to defend our sovereignty,” said Cde Togarepi.
He said it is therefore important to remember the fallen heroes and gallant sons and daughters of the liberation struggle on a special day like today, and continue drawing inspiration from their good deeds. “As youths, we continue to be inspired by the sacrifices of our heroes and heroines to liberate this country and likewise, we should also play our part and stand firm in today’s Zimbabwe in defence of our revolution,” said Cde Togarepi.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo, like the other provinces in the country, has put in place all the mechanisms to ensure that residents join the rest of the country to commemorate the day.
The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs, Cde Angeline Masuku, said two events will be held in the city as part of the commemorations.
“We have the main celebrations at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane as usual and the other