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The Herald, July 11, 1981
A COMMITTEE has been formed to look into arrangements for bringing home the body of the late chairman of Zanu, Mr Herbert Chitepo, from Zambia, a Government spokesman said yesterday.
Mr Chitepo, killed in a landmine explosion in Lusaka on March 18,1975, is buried at Leopard’s Hill Cemetery in Lusaka.
His body was expected to arrive home last year at the same time as those of the late General Josiah Magama Tongogara and Mr Jason Ziyapapa Moyo for reburial at Heroes’ Acre on Heroes’ Day. Mr George Silundika was also buried there this year.
But Mr Chitepo’s widow. Victoria, the Deputy Minister of Information, said at the time that the request for exhumation was made at too short notice for the family to fulfil customary requirements.
The family asked the Government to allow time to make the arrangements.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- National heroes such as the late Herbert Chitepo, George Silundika, Josiah Magama Tongogara and Jason Ziyapapa Moyo are some of the country’s eminent sons who played significant roles in bringing independence to the country. Their service to the country will forever remain etched in the mind of all Zimbabweans.
- As a sign of gratitude and a way of remembering and honouring their contribution, the Government saw it fit to set aside a day to pay respects to these gallant sons and daughters of the nation – the Heroes Day – which is marked on the second Monday of August each year.
- With August soon upon us, it is important for the nation to unite and give a befitting tribute to all the nation’s gallant sons and daughters that are interred at the national and provincial shrine dotted around the country and also those that are still interred in neighbouring countries.
- One of the most important ways Zimbabweans can honour its fallen heroes is by remaining united and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.
Online Reporter