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It was a hive of activity at the national shrine yesterday as families of national heroes and heroines took time to visit graves of their beloved ones, laying wreaths and flowers as a way of remembering and honouring their legacy.
Several family relatives who spoke to The Herald said they were humbled by the continued celebration of their legacy, which brought the country’s independence.
Most of the relatives urged Zimbabweans to remain united and defend the sovereignty of the country and in solidarity with President Mugabe’s leadership. The late Vice President Joshua Nyongolo Nkomo’s grandson Mr Polani Ndlovu said the family was happy as everyone was showing their support by visiting them at the graveside. This, he said, was a sign of unity among the people in this country.
“Our message is that, we have to unite because these people interred here fought for our freedom,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Cde Robert Zhuwao’s wife Mrs Getrude said: “To us, it is a great tribute to our mother Sabina Mugabe as she worked hard during and after the war.”
“As you see, we are here today because of them. If it were not for them, we were not going to survive. For the youth, they should emulate heroes like Cde Joshua Nkomo, and his wife Mama Mafuyana and the rest of the fallen heroes so that they won’t forget their history.”
Cde Robert Zhuwao’s wife Mrs Getrude Zhuwao said: “To us, it is a great tribute to our mother Sabina Mugabe as she worked hard during the war and after the war so to us it is the day the country celebrates not just her but other liberation heroes. We will try and teach her grandchildren about her legacy and the contribution she made.”
The late war veterans’ leader Cde Chenjerai Hunzvi’s wife Mrs Jane Hunzvi, said his family did not benefit from the land reform programme and appealed to Gvernment to redress this.
“My husband is a hero. He contributed immensely to the liberation of the country, the land reform, war veterans but l am appealing to the Government so that my children also benefit from the land reform.The Government should honour my husband by allocating a farm to his children so that they can venture into farming for his history to be always remembered,” she said.
Cde Nikita Mangena’s wife, Mrs Sikobekiso Madeya Mangena said, “It is a painful day as it brings all the memories and it is nice that we are remembering them. But l want to urge Zimbabweans that we should stay peaceful and united as we are. Peace is what is important.”
Cde Willard Zororai Duri’s niece Mrs Tafadzwa Jongwe said her maternal uncle always taught the values to be respectful to the elders. She said Cde Duri was an intelligent man who always emphasized on education.
Cde Webster Shamu and his wife Constance joined his late relative Cde Stanford Tofa Shamu’s wife Cde (Sheila) Solo Maimbodeyi at the graveside. He said in commemorating Heroes’ Day, people should always remember that imperialists have not given up. He said their agenda was that any country that got its independence through armed struggle should be decimated to carry out their illogical schemes.
“If you look at what is happening now in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, Libya and Mozambique you can see that the very same enemies of yesterday, are the same enemies of today,” said Cde Shamu.
“People must not be misled by prophets of doom. The people of Zimbabwe should be able to see through these machinations. But we should be able to learn from President Mugabe.”
Cde Maimbodeyi said: “I just want to appreciate this day that we remember our heroes who sacrificed this land for Zimbabweans. We have to continue the celebrations and educate the new generation so that they don’t forget.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Security Cde Kembo Mohadi said : When we fought, there was no Shona, Ndebele, we were just one and this day regenerates that we go and fight more for the economic emancipation of this country.”
Online Reporter