Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Reporter
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has made history by uniting women from diverse denominations and backgrounds, including war veterans, war collaborators, churches, Defence Forces and security services, to remember, honour and celebrate the sacrifices of the nation’s gallant sons and daughters.
They also honoured fellow women who sacrificed personal comfort, family and, in some cases, their own children to participate in the liberation struggle and secure the country’s independence, while others watched their children leave home to join the armed struggle.
The landmark gathering was held at State House on Tuesday night during a special dinner hosted by Dr Mnangagwa to mark the National Heroes and Defence Forces Days.
The event also created a rare intergenerational platform linking women who fought for Zimbabwe’s independence with those now entrusted with defending the country.
Held under the theme; “Lest We Forget”, the dinner was both a tribute to the heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle and a celebration of the achievements of women in the uniformed services.
It also provided an opportunity for women from different generations to reflect on their responsibilities as mothers and citizens in advancing Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
Speaking at the dinner, Dr Mnangagwa said the occasion went beyond commemorating important national days, providing an opportunity to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by women during the liberation struggle.
Many had to accept the difficult decisions of their children to join the war, while others endured the pain of losing their sons and daughters.
“Our yesteryear mothers from different parts of the country had aspirations and hopes for their children, like all mothers. Many of them were left behind when their children, young men and women, went into the forests, far away, to fight for the liberation of this country.
“Many mothers had to live with the bold choices of their children to fight for our country, and some lost their sons and daughters to the war. It was not easy.
“Regardless of age, even when one lives long enough to hold a walking stick, a mother always worries about her child. She would pray that, if her child was still alive, they would one day become somebody.”
Dr Mnangagwa added: “As the mothers who are still with us are here, we said, let us thank them and remember them while celebrating everything they did for us. We, your mothers, have not forgotten you. We thank you for your sacrifices.”
Dr Mnangagwa paid tribute to the women who played different roles during the liberation struggle, describing them as mothers, fighters and courageous supporters of the protracted armed struggle.
“We take this opportunity to pay tribute to the women of yesteryear, who played key roles as mothers, fighters and brave supporters of the protracted armed liberation struggle,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also honoured surviving liberation war veterans, stressing that their sacrifices transcended families, clans and provinces.
“I honour in a special way the representatives of veterans of the liberation struggle. You, along with many other living and departed heroes, did not fight just for your own families, clans or provinces. You fought for all of us, a united Zimbabwe,” she said.
The First Lady said the women being honoured had already played their part, leaving the responsibility of carrying the nation forward to the present generation.
“Every generation, in this case of women, has a role to play in advancing the key aspirations of their time. The mothers, all veterans and our young fighters we are celebrating today played their part,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said the present generation had inherited the responsibility of building on the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before them.
“The baton is now with us. Let us draw inspiration and remain reassured by the rich history and brave decisions made in the past for us to enjoy the freedom, unity, peace and development we are witnessing under the Second Republic,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa further called on women serving in different portfolios to mentor those coming behind them and establish structures that promote gender sensitivity.
“In the course of our service in various portfolios, let us always take time to mentor rising women and institutionalise gender-sensitive structures,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also challenged women to become voices for community empowerment through improved healthcare, education and people-centred management models.
“The need to be voices which advance the empowerment of communities through decent healthcare, education and people-centred management models cannot be overemphasised,” she said.
The First Lady said women were key drivers of integrity, transparency and accountability in public institutions, urging them to excel in their respective departments by meeting key performance indicators in line with President Mnangagwa’s Government policies.
“I challenge us all to reflect on the duties we have towards supporting our National Vision 2030 as guided by the President,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa urged women to use their positions at various decision-making tables to influence discussions and contribute towards the attainment of an empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“Your seat at various tables should reshape the discussion and help propel the realisation of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030. With the resilience, the fortitude and hard work culture of us women, nothing is impossible,” she said.
The First Lady said women had a responsibility to nurture families and shape future generations through strong spiritual and moral values.
“Let us nurture lives and practise pronounced teachings of God’s ways. We are the practical caretakers of our homes, and powerful spiritual and moral influencers who shape the faith of future generations,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also saluted the women gathered at the event for their wealth of experience, expertise and continued commitment to Zimbabwe.
“Above all, I notice seasoned women with great experience, expertise and unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe. I honour your resilience, competence and collective voices on decision-making tables,” she said.
The First Lady said deliberate programmes were also needed to empower both girls and boys, ensuring that every child had an opportunity to develop and contribute to the country.
“The adoption of deliberate programmes and strategies that empower both girls and boys is now urgent, as none of our children should be left behind,” she said.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri described the gathering as a historic occasion, saying it united women who had fought for the country’s liberation with those now defending it.
“We have converged those who fought for the country and those who are now defending the country. This is something that has not happened before,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said women had endured difficult struggles over the years, making their recognition and appreciation particularly significant.
“The struggles that these women face are hard, but such recognition is important to us as women,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri also commended the progress made in advancing women in the uniformed services during Dr Mnangagwa’s tenure as First Lady.
“During your tenure as the First Lady, we have seen many promotions in the uniformed sector, with us having pilots and women taking up other important positions,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said Dr Mnangagwa’s work since 2017 had brought a new dimension to the recognition and empowerment of women.
“The work that you started in 2017, we have never seen such work,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri further commended Dr Mnangagwa for her humility and hands-on approach, saying her initiatives had reached families and communities at grassroots level.
War Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga described the event as a landmark occasion, saying it reflected the First Lady’s exemplary leadership.
“We have never witnessed such an event before, as we are accustomed to calendar events such as Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day, among others,” she said.
“But this one took us by surprise, and we can all testify that we never saw it coming. This demonstrates how good our Mother is.”
Minister of Women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa thanked Dr Mnangagwa for her continued work to empower women and youths.
“Your Excellency, we want to thank you for the work that you are doing to empower not only women but also our youths,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the various initiatives had created opportunities for women and young people to improve their livelihoods and participate meaningfully in national development.
“We appreciate the initiatives that you have introduced because they are changing lives and giving our women and youths hope and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the development of our country,” she said.
Popular evangelist Nelly Gwatidzo also testified to the impact of Dr Mnangagwa’s programmes, particularly those targeting drug abuse and rehabilitation through the Angel of Hope Foundation.
She shared the story of her son, whom she said battled drug addiction before being assisted through the foundation’s rehabilitation programme.
“Mhamha (Dr Mnangagwa), my son was a drug addict to the point that I had to sell my Bible for US$2 so that he could deal with his drug addiction,” she said.
Rev Gwatidzo said she took her son to the rehabilitation programme during its sixth intake and was now proud to see him working.
“I remember that it was the sixth intake and I took him and I am happy to tell you that my son is now working and he came with his first salary. What you have done for me no one has ever done,” she said.
Thanking Dr Mnangagwa, Evangelist Gwatidzo said the initiatives had restored hope to families affected by drug abuse and other social challenges.
The testimony added a deeply personal dimension to an evening that celebrated women across generations, from those who made sacrifices for Zimbabwe’s independence to those serving the nation today and those working to strengthen families and communities.
The historic dinner therefore stood as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the courage and sacrifices of women who shaped Zimbabwe’s liberation are remembered while celebrating the women continuing to serve and build the nation.
It also blended remembrance and celebration, with the women sharing fellowship while enjoying music and dance.
One of the lighter moments came when Mrs Sarah Mulambo of 2 Brigade, Kaguvi Barracks took to the dance floor, drawing the attention and admiration of Dr Mnangagwa as the celebrations continued.
