Chronicle Editor
Kudzai Chikiwa, Chronicle Reporter
WAR veterans should join the nation in defending the values and gains of the liberation struggle, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWA) Bulawayo Province Secretary General, Cde Luke Mpofu has said.
Speaking during the burial of Cde Lovemore Ndebele at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre yesterday, Cde Mpofu said being a war veteran does not end with fighting during the war but veternas should contribute to nation building.
Cde Ndebele died on Tuesday at Mpilo Central Hospital after a short illness.
“Heroes should play a leading role in the development of the country so that we bequeath to future generations a prosperous Zimbabwe. I therefore urge war veterans who are here present to participate in the day to day running of the country.
“It makes no sense to hold a gun during the war and then just watch what we fought for being destroyed,” said Cde Mpofu.
He said war veterans should be exemplary.
“Our duty is to show society how a Zimbabwean should behave. We are here to conscientise the nation on what it means to be Zimbabwean and remind them to defend what we fought for,” he said
Cde Mpofu said he was disappointed by some comrades who have decided to take a back seat when it come to national issues.
He said what defines a war veteran is the ability to gather and deliberate with others on how to improve the country and preserve what was fought for.
“There are some comrades who we wonder if they are liberation war fighters or not. You will never find them where others gather.
“We have daily meetings at our respective districts but some do not show up. At such meetings we discuss critical issues about our welfare and the nation at large,” Cde Mpofu said.
Cde Ndebele was born in Bulawayo in 1950 and grew up in Thuthi, Matobo district.
In 1977 he crossed into Botswana enroute to Zambia to join the liberation struggle. He was based at Nampundu and later went on to train in Angola at a camp called Angila.
During cease fire he was based at Gwayi River Mine Assembly Point and was demobilised in 1980.
He was awarded the Liberation and Independence medals. He is survived by his wife Maria. — @tamary98
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