Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, has urged Zimbabweans to remain dedicated and steadfast in defending their country’s hard-won independence, while emphasizing the importance of unity and constructive dialogue within the ruling ZANU PF party.
Minister Muswere, who is also a ZANU PF Central Committee member, said this on Wednesday during the burial of liberation war hero, Cde Laxon Michael Mapfumo, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and war veteran, in Mudyarabikwa Village, Makoni West.
Minister Muswere, who is also the Makoni West legislator, described the late Cde Mapfumo as a dedicated, vigilant, and consistent champion of the revolution.
“Cde Mapfumo distinguished himself through his unwavering commitment to the revolution, remaining forthright and aligned with the ideals of the liberation struggle. His vigilance and steadfastness were crucial in driving the vision of a successful and prosperous upper-middle-class society by 2030. Nyika yese ine gutsa ruzhinji.
“Cde Mapfumo’s remarkable journey, both before and after independence, earned him the liberation war hero status, conferred by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This recognition acknowledges his dedication during the war of liberation and beyond. Throughout his life, Cde Mapfumo consistently defended, advanced, and protected Zimbabwe’s rights and interests, embodying the values of the revolution and interests of Zimbabwe as a country.
“The gathering here today is a testament to Cde Mapfumo’s unwavering dedication to defending Zimbabwe’s independence and sovereignty. As a unifying figure, he collaborated effectively with others, leaving behind a rich legacy that we should all strive to emulate,’ he said.
Minister Muswere also implored party members to respect the national leadership and use proper channels to express their views, emphasizing the importance of unity and constructive dialogue within the party.
He spoke out against ZANU PF members publicly criticising the party’s national leadership instead of using internal channels to address their concerns and grievances.
“In the last few days, some individuals resorted to attacking the national leadership when faced with challenges. As a party, we have formal processes for discussing issues, and members should use these channels, rather than going public. This is not how the party operates, especially for someone who is a Central Committee member, and also attends provincial meetings and national conferences. We cannot expect that person to go wayward. This person had a forum to discuss his issues,” said Minister Muswere.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza paid tribute to the late Cde Mapfumo, describing him as a dedicated patriot who played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s independence and its preservation.
Minister Mugadza hailed Cde Mapfumo as an iconic and exemplary commander in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, renowned for his exceptional loyalty and patriotism.
“He was an iconic and prototype commander in the ZDF. His exceptional loyalty and patriotism towards his beloved country reminds us how lucky we are as a nation to have a generation of officers and commanders in the caliber of the departed Lieutenant-Colonel.
“His military prowess to fight for the liberation of the country and defend its ideals after independence remained unparalleled. He was a distinguished military officer whose works we shall forever cherish. Above all, he remained focused and steadfast in the face of neo-colonial machinations by our detractors.
“As we pay our last respects to the late gallant son of the soil, we must not forget the sacrifices he and other heroes and heroines made for the freedom of our motherland, Zimbabwe. We must defend what he fought and stood for – Zimbabwe’s independence and sovereignty at all costs. Therefore, let us uphold the principles and values Cde Mapfumo has left for us,” said Minister Mugadza.
ZANU PF Central Committee Member, Cde Shadreck Chipanga, challenged the younger generation to emulate the role played by war veterans to liberate the country.
“He worked hard for ZANU PF to retain the Makoni West parliamentary seat that had been lost to the opposition in 2008. The seat is now firmly back in the hands of ZANU PF because of the contribution of the likes of him. Cde Mapfumo’s demise is not a loss to the family only, but to the party and community as a whole.
With the majority of us war veterans departing, it is now the duty of the young generation to jealously guard the country and protect the gains of the liberation struggle,” said Cde Chipanga. ZANU PF provincial commissar, Cde Albert Nyakuedzwa, Cde Kudzi Chipanga members of the Provincial Joint Operation Command, family, friends, and community members attended the burial.
Cde Mapfumo was born on November 27, 1953, and joined the liberation struggle in 1975 in Mozambique.
At independence, he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army and served up to 2004. He is survived by three children and several great grandchildren.
Online Reporter