Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, has appealed to President Mnangagwa to consider recognising and rewarding Victor “Coach Rambo” Kazembe for his bravery and selfless service following a tragic incident in which he risked his life to assist grieving families.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Minister Machakaire said he would find time to humbly engage President Mnangagwa on the possibility of honouring Kazembe with a piece of land and several cattle as a gesture of appreciation for his extraordinary actions.
“I will find time to humbly appeal to His Excellency, President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, to consider recognizing and rewarding this outstanding son of the soil. A piece of land and a few cattle would be a fitting gesture of appreciation and would empower a man who has already demonstrated that service to others comes first,” said Minister Machakaire.
His call comes after Kazembe, popularly known as Coach Rambo, risked his life to retrieve three bodies from a muddy sewage pool in Budiriro in an operation that has captured the nation’s attention and earned him widespread praise.
According to reports, the recovery mission began on Sunday night and continued into the early hours of Monday.
Minister Machakaire revealed that he was unable to witness the events firsthand as he was attending Cabinet on the day of the incident, but said he was deeply moved by reports of Kazembe’s conduct.
“Since I was attending Cabinet yesterday, I unfortunately missed this tragic incident. However, I wish to commend and applaud Victor ‘Coach Rambo’ Kazembe for his extraordinary courage and selfless service,” he said.
The minister described Kazembe as a true hero whose actions embodied sacrifice, compassion and service to humanity.
“In a moment of great tragedy, he displayed the strength of a lion and the heart of a servant, risking his own life to bring dignity to the deceased and closure to grieving families. His actions remind us that true heroes are defined not by words, but by sacrifice and service to others,” said Minister Machakaire.
He said Zimbabwe needed more citizens who place the welfare of others ahead of personal gain, particularly as the country pursues national development goals and food security.
“As a nation pursuing food security and sustainable development, we need more citizens with such compassion, integrity and commitment to humanity. Men like Coach Rambo place the welfare of others before personal gain, and those are the values that build a strong nation,” he said.
Minister Machakaire said the nation should be proud of Kazembe’s actions, adding that his example should inspire others to serve their communities with courage and dedication.
“Zimbabwe is proud of Victor ‘Coach Rambo’ Kazembe. We salute his courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity. May his example inspire us all,” said the minister.
Kazembe has received widespread praise on social media and from members of the public for his heroic actions during the tragedy.
