Gen Tongogara sacrificed for a free and prosperous Zim —Dr Muswere

Sunday Mail Reporter

FORMER ZANLA commander General Josiah Magama Tongogara’s major objective during the liberation struggle was to establish a democratic, free and prosperous Zimbabwe, which we enjoy today, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.

Speaking during a memorial service of the late liberation icon at the National Heroes Acre on Friday, Dr Muswere said the commemoration, which marked the 46th anniversary of the passing of Gen Tongogara, was a moment of national reflection on the sacrifice, commitment and foresight that underpinned Zimbabwe’s fight against white settler colonialism.

Remembering the revered stalwart of the liberation struggle, he said, was not only about remembering fallen heroes but also about regenerating the revolutionary consciousness that inspired young men and women to rise against a racially oppressive and economically exclusionary system.

“The liberation struggle was fought against a white, racist, imperialist settler regime that had entrenched itself through unjust policies and legislation such as the Land Tenure Act and the Land Apportionment Act, which dispossessed indigenous black people of land, wealth and freedom,” he said.

He described General Tongogara as a leader who embodied sacrifice and selflessness, noting that his commitment to the liberation of Zimbabwe transcended personal ambition.

“As we commemorate the late General, we also commemorate the supreme sacrifice paid by our gallant sons and daughters,” he said.

“General Tongogara led from the front. He mobilised thousands of young men and women to commit themselves to the liberation of this country.”

He said the late commander was among the pioneers of the armed struggle, whose leadership helped shape the direction and discipline of the liberation forces, working alongside other senior cadres, including President Mnangagwa.

Dr Muswere said historical records and interviews revealed that General Tongogara and his contemporaries travelled to countries such as China, not in search of personal fortune, but to acquire technical and military expertise necessary to free Zimbabwe from colonial rule.

“Their explicit objective was clear: to liberate the country so that all Zimbabweans, black or white, young or old, could enjoy the fruits of freedom in a sovereign nation,” he said.

Land repossession, he added, was central to General Tongogara’s vision, adding that the struggle for land was inseparable from the broader quest for self-determination and economic justice.

Dr Muswere said the late liberation commander also championed unity, stressing that the eventual integration of ZANLA and ZIPRA into the Zimbabwe National Army reflected a shared national purpose that transcended political and military divisions.

“Unity was a strategic pillar of his thinking. His diaries and historical accounts show that the major objective was not personal power, but the creation of a democratic, free and prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.

Dr Muswere said General Tongogara’s selflessness was evident in his expressed willingness to forgo positions in the post-independence governance structure, as long as the country attained freedom and democracy.

Linking the liberation legacy to present-day developments, Dr Muswere said Government, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, was advancing the unfinished business of the liberation struggle through land reform, food security and economic empowerment.

The success of the Land Reform Programme , he said, had transformed Zimbabwe’s agricultural production, citing increased wheat output from about 90 000 tonnes to over 600 000 tonnes, achieving national food security sufficiency.

He also added that mechanisation had improved significantly, with the number of tractors increasing from about 2 500 to more than 16 000, strengthening agricultural productivity and rural development.

“These achievements are directly linked to the objectives of the liberation struggle, the reclamation of land and the empowerment of indigenous Zimbabweans,” he said.

Government was now finalising the land reform chapter through the issuance of title deeds, a move aimed at cementing land ownership and unlocking further economic value for beneficiaries.

“As young people born after independence, we are beneficiaries of the sacrifices made by General Tongogara and his generation. It is our duty to defend, advance and protect the gains of the liberation struggle.”

Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Emmanuel Matatu was the guest of honour at the event.