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Cde Simon Khaya Moyo

Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
Zanu-PF yesterday paid tribute to President Mugabe and the late former Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo and other fallen heroes for their contribution towards liberating the country from colonial rule.Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo said in a statement yesterday that the Heroes Day was meant to reflect on the revolution that brought independence to Zimbabwe and honour its leadership.

“We cannot in Zimbabwe talk of our freedom and independence without the mention of our two iconic leaders, President Robert Mugabe and the late Umdala Wethu, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo — Father Zimbabwe,” he said.

“We also dare not forget their close stalwarts during the liberation struggle and thousands of our fallen heroes and heroines who perished for the just cause — freedom. They remain in our hearts and we will salute their just cause — freedom. They remain in our hearts and we will salute their heroic deeds everlastingly.”

Cde Khaya Moyo said President Mugabe and Dr Nkomo were uncompromising leaders and their compatriots led the revolution with exceptional precision under the banner of the Patriotic Front to final victory.

“After independence, the two parties formed a Government together and negotiations started to unite them, culminating in the signing of the Unity Accord on December 22, 1987 under the name ZANU-PF,” he said.

“The focus now is on economic transformation and Zim-Asset stands testimony to this fact. The four clusters of Zim-Asset; food security and nutrition, social services, infrastructure and utilities, value addition and beneficiation are key to the development of our economy.”

Cde Khaya Moyo urged Zimbabweans to work hard to boost the economy and Foreign Direct Investment.

“We must ourselves develop work ethic and till the land which so many shed their blood for,” he said.

“We must uproot corruption and live clean habits. A corrupt nation is easily perishable. Our fallen heroes deserve more accountability from each of us.

“Let us, therefore, commemorate Heroes Day as well as Defence Forces day with oneness of purpose. Let us never betray our fallen heroes. Unity, peace and development must remain our compass.”

Meanwhile, families of the fallen national heroes have urged Zimbabweans to value Heroes Day in memory of the dedication and sacrifice made by the freedom fighters.

The families expressed this at the Heroes Braai Lunch which was attended by families of the late national heroes after the official commemorations of the Heroes Day at the National Heroes Acre yesterday.

The late national hero Cde Ernest Kadungure’s son, Kumbirai, said it was unfortunate that some people were taking the holiday as any other day when they could do their private business.

“We need to remember the people who fought for us and those who died liberating this country,” he said.

“People are beginning to forget the purpose of the holiday and forgetting that the peace we enjoy today was a result of the sacrifice made by other people. My father died in 1990, but I am still enjoying the peace he fought for.”

Hazel Gezi, daughter to the late Cde Border Gezi, said: “It is good to remember what our father did, appreciate the sacrifice and cherish the good work”.

Mrs Jayne Hunzvi, wife to the late Dr Chenjerai Hunzvi said she joined other Zimbabweans to cherish the sacrifice made by the fallen heroes.

“My husband fought for the compensation of the war veterans,” she said.

“He was also instrumental in the land reform and many people now own land.”

Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo, who graced the occasion, stressed the need for Zimbabweans to cherish the good work done by fallen heroes.