Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
The true honour Zimbabwe can bestow on its national heroes and heroines lies in building a prosperous nation free from corruption, unethical behaviour and selfish dealings, Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
Speaking at the triple burial of National Heroes — Major-General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, Cde Chenhamo Chakezha Chen Chimutengwende and Ambassador John Shumba Mvundura at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday — Acting President Chiwenga said each generation must take the nation forward.
“Let us all strive to build habitable, peaceful, economically stable and secure Zimbabwe as a legacy for future generations,” he said.
“Each generation must take our nation forward — that way, the trajectory of our nation will remain on an upward path, with each generation leaving a wholesome legacy for the one coming after it.
“The only way we can honour these heroes and heroines is to make sure that we all build the Zimbabwe they envisioned, indeed the great Zimbabwe we want which is peaceful, secure, prosperous and always moving forward”.
Acting President Chiwenga took a swipe against corruption and other illicit activities.
“A loud and clear no to corruption by whomsoever; corruption aborts our quest for sustainable economic development, peace and stability,” he said.
The Acting President said Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence was rooted in values of unity and love.
He also called on various stakeholders, including the media, civil society and political parties, to foster nation-building and unity.
“Let us not forget that it is through the selfless sacrifices and dedication to duty by the late three gallant sons of the soil we are laying to rest today, and many other departed and living cadres, that Zimbabwe continues to enjoy its sovereign nationhood as a State.
“We can only realise our vision of attaining an Empowered and Prosperous Upper-Middle Income Society by guarding against and desisting from all forms of actions and misdeeds which undermine the national interest,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
“Foremost is corruption and all forms of related unethical and selfish conduct, especially in respect of business transactions at whatever level – small, medium to large economic units.
“Any act of shady dealings and acts of deceit go towards undermining the ideals for which these gallant national heroes sacrificed their lives”.
He said values of unity and love are timeless and must personify today and tomorrow and be passed on to future generations.
“They make a nation, they give character to a people. Above all, they make us winners in every sphere of human endeavour.
“As we strive to develop our country, what must always guide us is the need to shun hatred, and embrace each other through love, tolerance and forgiveness.
“If you become a false witness, then you are betraying these three comrades we are laying to rest today.
“Lack of respect for each other and petty jealousies are mortal sins which cannot be forgiven here on earth and in heaven.
“We should respect one another and continue to be guided by the principle of Ubuntu, taking cognisance of the fact that every Zimbabwean who was born as we fought for our Independence contributed in different yet important capacities towards this one sacred goal which motivated us all and built solid unity in struggle.”
Acting President Chiwenga called on different sectors of society, particularly the media and communications fraternity at large, civil society and national-interest driven opposition political parties and other social interest groups to play a positive role in the promotion of nation-building and unity of purpose.
“Despite our divergent political views, we should always remember that we are one people who should be guided by the ethic of transformative politics where tolerance, forgiveness and ubuntu take precedence in our quest to build a prosperous, secure and stable Zimbabwe that we will continue to be patriotically proud of.”
He implored the citizenry to make the most of the rains we are currently receiving by growing short-season variety crops to enhance the Government’s food security efforts.
Brigadier General Mpulaeng Siziba, young brother to the late Major General (Rtd) Siziba, hailed the legacy left left by his brother.
He said his late brother contributed wholeheartedly to the growth and development of the agricultural sector in the region.
Mr Cleopas Nyangoni, brother to Cde Chimutengwende, said the family had lost a pillar who assisted in the education and development not only of his immediate family but extended family.
He said his brother was a hard worker and an easygoing man who enjoyed his free time through music and dance.
Ms Jayne Mvundura, daughter to Ambassador Mvundura, said her late father was a loving family man but at the same time a strict disciplinarian who demanded the very best from his children and family.
She said Ambassador Mvundura also contributed to the education and personal development of several people who are not his family.
The burial of the three national heroes was attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet Ministers, Service Chiefs and other senior Government officials.
