Chronicle Editor
Sifelani Tsiko, Zimpapers Elections Desk
This year on 14 August, Zimbabwe commemorates Heroes Day to dedicate and reaffirm the significance of the national liberation struggle to the country’s cultural heritage.
Throughout the month, Zimbabweans will remind themselves that the country’s liberation came at an enormous cost and that it produced heroes and heroines, worthy recognition and honour.
As we celebrate Heroes Day, we draw inspiration from both the First and Second Chimurenga Wars led by heroes and heroines – spirit mediums, kings, chiefs and warriors.
We remember those brave fighters that took part in the 1896 -1897 First Chimurenga War, the Second Chimurenga War of 1960 – 1979 and other frontier wars of resistance against colonialism and dispossession.
The memoirs of our heroes and heroines are significant in several respects. National heroes and heroines are our national pride and there is a historic mission that calls on every Zimbabwean to preserve this.
As part of all efforts to preserve the national liberation heritage, we must also honour sons and daughters of our national heroes and heroines who also suffered from repression and brutality of the Rhodesian white settler regime.
In this report, we remember the sons and daughters of some of the heroes and heroines who authored history by taking part in the struggle to free our country.
There has been a groundswell of support for the children of struggle stalwarts who have risen in all quarters to serve the country in various ways. Children, grandchildren and relatives of liberation war stalwarts or veterans of our country’s freedom struggle have a responsibility to carry forward the spirit of their parents.
*Lynnette Mahlaba*
Daughter of late national hero Herbert Mahlaba is one of many children of national heroes who has followed the path of her father in serving the nation. Lynnette Mahlaba is now Finance and Economic Development officer after serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2021. She says Zimbabweans must not take freedom for granted and continue to honour those men and women whose love for their country and its people motivated them to sacrifice even their lives for freedom.
“My dad taught me and inspired me on how to serve my country better. I’m following his footsteps and this is why I joined the civil service. I now want to up my game and serve the country diligently,” she said.
“The legacy that our heroes left must continue. It’s important to realise that our country didn’t come for free and we can’t give it away just like that. We must respect and defend the legacy of our heroes through hard work and sacrifice.” Lynn studied for her first degree at the University of Kent in the UK and later completed an Msc in International Relations at Midlands State University. She was one of the young women who were eyeing to represent Zanu-PF in Harare East Constituency. She lost to Mavis Gumbo in the primary elections.
Lynn has done lots of philanthropy work and has a whole future ahead of her to rise and make it in politics. Her campaign message beefs: “Vasikana Vanotumika” all goes to show ambition and drive to serve her country.
*Thokozile Chitepo*
Thokozile, is a daughter of veteran nationalist Herbert Wiltshire Pfumaindini Chitepo (15 June 1923 – 18 March 1975) who led the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) until he was assassinated in March 1975 and his wife Victoria, a heroine who was also interred at the national shrine. Her father was the first black citizen of Rhodesia to become a barrister. Cde Chitepo was a fearless intellectual who defended African nationalists such as Ndabaningi Sithole and also served as legal adviser to the late Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Nkomo, founder of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), at the Southern Rhodesia Constitutional Conference in London.
Thokozile Chitepo has worked and served in various roles within the civil service. She is a prominent civil servant who once served as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry before her appointment as Permanent Secretary for Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation in September 2018.
Last year, she was recognised as one of the top performing Permanent Secretaries as youths were facilitated to access empowerment opportunities while 22 000 youths were trained. She has vast experience in civil service that has equipped her with stamina to deal with the political terrain and all the rigours it requires.
Thokozile was appointed to the Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN) Board in July 2010 and is currently the Board Chair. Before serving the Government, she worked as a Dean in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Africa University. She has a special interest in issues of youth development, especially girls and young women, promoting their health, creativity and social integration, civic engagement and economic productivity through practical and academic applications.
*Edson Sithole Jnr*
Edson Sithole Jnr, is the only surviving son of the veteran nationalist – Dr Edson Sithole – who was abducted together with his secretary Miriam Mhlanga by Rhodesian state security agents on October 15, 1975. His father was part of the early crop of African nationalists who spearheaded Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence. His father was never found and was eventually declared dead when Zimbabwe gained its independence in 1980. A cenotaph monument was installed at the National Heroes Acre in his memory in 1999.
In 2015, the University of South Africa (Unisa) honoured Dr Edson Furatidzayi Chisingaitwi Sithole for being the first black person in the entire southern and central African region to obtain a Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree from the institution of higher learning in 1974. He was 39 years of age when he obtained his doctorate.
Edson Sithole Jnr worked as a Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Chancery in Accra, Ghana from 2017 to 2022. He is now back at head office until further reassignment.
“I want to be able to fulfil my father’s vision for Zimbabwe and the African continent to achieve a united and prosperous Africa in the shortest time possible. A Zimbabwe capable of playing a central role in delivering a united and prosperous Africa,” said Sithole Jnr.
*Eddison Zvobgo Jnr*
Eddison Jnr is the eldest surviving son of the late national hero and firebrand Zanu-PF politician, Eddison Mudadirwa Zvobgo. Cde Zvobgo was one of the sharpest legal minds to ever emerge from Zimbabwe. He was one of the founding members of Zanu and spokesperson of the Patriotic Front at the Lancaster House negotiations in late 1979. Cde Zvobgo played an instrumental role in the Lancaster House negotiations that ushered in elections in 1980 to end the 16 – year –old brutal war of liberation between white settler Rhodesian forces and freedom fighters. Cde Zvobgo was a gifted orator and had a knack for that quotable quote for a scrum of journalists who followed his interviews.
Zvobgo Jnr is a lawyer like his father and also a businessman, hotel proprietor, politician and a member of the Zanu-PF party. He also manages Zvobgo Holdings which is the parent company of a number of hospitality entities in the country including Flamboyant Hotel, Chevron Hotel, Panyanda Lodge and Fairmile Hotel in Gweru.
“I’m currently the managing director of Regency Hotels and Leisure as well as several other companies. My message to both my parents as they are both national heroes is that we will follow the path you taught us. My thoughts on national heroes is that they are by definition an example to be admired and emulated. They provide purpose and direction by example and excellence. Their sacrifice for the nation and for others is the finest example of all,” he said.
As we celebrate our heroes and heroines we must recommit ourselves to the ideals for which they stood and fought for so bravely. Zimbabwe must also walk with the sons and daughters of our national heroes.
They are also an important part of our history and cultural heritage.
Online Reporter