Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE will continue on its economic growth trajectory towards modernisation and industrialisation while nurturing peace, unity and stability as a way of honouring both fallen and living heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the main 46th Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday, the President said the country’s development agenda was anchored on the ideals of the liberation struggle and sacrifices made by those who fought for independence.
Presently, 210 heroes and heroines are buried at the National Heroes Acre, while hundreds more lie at provincial and district heroes’ acres as well as in unmarked sites across the country.
Thousands more are in mass graves in Angola, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique.
President Mnangagwa said Government would continue to promote peace and consolidate constitutional democracy as part of honouring the country’s liberation icons.
“We are a unitary and indivisible state, from Plumtree to Mutare, Zambezi to Limpopo, singing one national anthem, under one national flag,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Under my leadership, we shall continue on an upward economic growth trajectory; nurturing a stable and peaceful society as well as consolidating a sound constitutional and democratic order.
“This is how we pledge to honour our departed heroes and heroines. As we develop, modernise, industrialise towards Vision 2030; we shall never ever forget their sacred sacrifices.
“Long live the memories of our heroes and heroines. Long live our freedom, independence and sovereignty.”
The President called on Zimbabweans to safeguard peace, unity and national cohesion while intensifying efforts to accelerate the country’s development and modernisation.
Patriotism, resilience and love for the country, he added, should continue to guide the country’s development trajectory.
“Let us continue on this good path as we maintain our strong and unbreakable bonds of unity and national cohesion.
“Persistent and consistent patriotism, love for our country, and enduring spirit of resilience must see us develop and modernise our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, with accelerated speed.
“I encourage us to remain focused, proactive and forward-looking as we defend, safeguard and promote our national interests, unique cultural values, norms and rich liberation heritage,” he said.
President Mnangagwa further rallied the nation to entrench a high-performance culture in all sectors, geared to grow the economy and uplift the living standards of the ordinary people.
“The development and wealth of our country is for all citizens. Hence, life-transforming results must be the critical focus in all programmes and projects, sector by sector, across all provinces, districts, wards and villages,” he said.
The President explained that this year’s Heroes Day theme, “Lest We Forget”, should remind citizens of the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle and inspire them to continue building a prosperous nation.
He added that the theme “reminds us to never lose sight of the human cost of war”.
“The victory by our departed and living heroes and heroines against a formidable racist colonial force is a source of inspiration that must give impetus to our resolve as we pursue building a modern and prosperous Zimbabwe.
“The Second Republic will always uphold unity, peace, democracy, order, patriotic discipline and security of all the people of this great nation.
“The armed liberation war values that gave birth to an independent Zimbabwe shall continue to shape the country’s national identity.
“This principle shall never be compromised,” he said.
President Mnangagwa added that the country had overcome numerous challenges, including colonialism and illegal sanctions, and was making steady progress towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“To date, we take pride in conquering the challenges of colonialism and facing head-on the illegal sanctions imposed on our country,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is a food-secure and sovereign nation, pursuing technology-driven industrialisation, marching resolutely towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Bold and timely decisions complemented by prudent Monetary Policy management strategies have aided in mitigating the impact of global shocks and supply chain disruptions,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the economy had maintained exchange rate and price stability since September 2024, supported by measures introduced by Government and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
“Inflation has remained below 5 percent and is expected to stay within single digits.
“To strengthen our long-term development initiatives, Government has to date reviewed licenses, permits, levies and fees across priority sectors of the economy.
“Zimbabwe is indeed Open for Business,” he said.
In agriculture, the Government is pursuing programmes aimed at ensuring full utilisation of agricultural land while expanding irrigation development across the country.
President Mnangagwa said under the Second Republic, irrigation schemes are now functioning, and dams have been transformed into viable economic hubs.
“Government and stakeholders continue to work together to achieve the target to expand the national irrigation capacity from 274 439 to 496 000 hectares.
“The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority is refocused towards structured, market-led agri-businesses.
“Young farmers are being empowered and resilient communities established. Building on the overall success records of the 2025/2026 agriculture season, my Government has raised its ambition by targeting 662,5 metric tonnes of wheat,” he said.
President Mnangagwa reiterated Government’s commitment to value addition and beneficiation, saying the country would no longer export raw natural resources.
“We are in a new era of localised value addition, beneficiation, industrialisation and manufacturing.
“This is seeing our economy broaden the range of domestic industries, opening up more jobs and generating higher value, from export earnings,” he said.
The President added that strong linkages between mining, agriculture and manufacturing were driving productivity, employment creation and export diversification.
He said industrial capacity utilisation now exceeds 60 percent.
However, the President warned against irresponsible exploitation of natural resources.
“New heroes and heroines are sprouting in the mining sector. However, this should never be at an expense and detriment to future generations.
“My Administration will not excuse any wanton damage of infrastructure, rivers and natural environments.
“These must be rehabilitated. Our economy and communities must sustainably enjoy the benefits of our independence, freedom and democracy,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted progress in the energy sector, infrastructure development, rural industrialisation, digital transformation, education and healthcare, saying these initiatives were helping improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.
He welcomed the resumption of direct Air Zimbabwe flights to the United Kingdom from July 22, a development that is expected to boost the tourism industry.
The President added that positive results from the Muzarabani gas exploration project were opening new opportunities for economic growth and energy security.
He also hailed the country’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
“Zimbabwe’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term stands as a defining endorsement of growing international confidence in our country’s constructive role in global affairs,” he said.
“Having fought the protracted armed war of liberation, we understand the cost of war. We, thus, remain committed to the promotion of international peace, security and sustainable development, for all peoples.
“Zimbabwe shall remain ‘a friend to all and an enemy to none’.”
President Mnangagwa said Government would continue implementing welfare and economic empowerment programmes for veterans of the liberation struggle, war collaborators, political prisoners, detainees and non-combatant cadres, while preserving the country’s liberation heritage through documentation and digitisation programmes.
The President yesterday handed over National Flags to the families of five liberation stalwarts who were conferred national hero status posthumously in recognition of their contribution to the country’s liberation struggle and national development.
The flags were received by Mrs Miriam Fikile Dube, widow of Cde Joseph Dube; Mrs Margaret Muzavazi, widow of Cde Hebert Zaba Sambo; Mrs Plaxedes Khumalo, widow of Retired Colonel Petros Khumalo; Mr Delight Marufu, son of Cde Shuvirai Wekwete; and Mr Musa Gumbochuma, son of Cde Noah Gumbochuma.
