THE LATE FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AND NATIONAL HERO, CDE SIMON VENGAI MUZENDA

COMMEMORATION MESSAGE ON THE LATE FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE, CDE. SIMON VENGAI MUZENDA: 1922-2003

The Acting Chief Secretary, Dr. Martin Rushwaya, Heads of Department, Chief Directors and staff in Office of the President and Cabinet join His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the entire nation and the Muzenda family in remembering the late former Vice President and national hero, Cde Simon Vengai Muzenda, on the 20th anniversary of his death.

The late Cde. Muzenda, who passed away on 20th September 2003, was a fearless freedom fighter and revolutionary who devoted his entire adult life to the liberation of his motherland from colonial bondage. After Independence, Cde Muzenda served as the inaugural Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, from 1980 to 1987, and as Vice President from 1987 until his demise. In these portfolios, he played a pivotal role in uniting and building a nation emerging from armed conflict. He ardently supported the Land Reform Programme, which has made all the difference in the socio-economic transformation and empowerment of the previously downtrodden majority.

As the 'Soul of the Nation' and a down-to-earth politician who always championed practical solutions to challenges, Cde Muzenda preached unity, peace and love across the length and breadth of his beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. Our memories of VaMuzenda will always inspire current and future generations to cherish their cultural heritage and freedom, and to relentlessly work for the betterment of mankind. As the nation enters the second segment of the National Development Strategy 1, we re-dedicate ourselves to the leadership of the Second Republic and to preserving the legacy of Cde Muzenda and other towering revolutionaries of his time. The empowerment programmes which Cde Muzenda supported and promoted will continue to resonate with the mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” / “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”.

May the soul of the late veteran nationalist, liberator and cultural icon, Cde Simon Vengai Muzenda, rest in eternal peace.

Long live our unity, peace and freedom! Long live Zimbabwe!