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Ray Bande in MT SELINDA, Chipinge
HUNDREDS of villagers in the Mt Selinda area of Chipinge District gathered at Emerald Hill Primary School for the official conferment of national hero status on the late Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole.
In his address during the official conferment of national hero status and laying of wreaths on the grave of the late Reverend Sithole, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was represented at the function by Defence and War Veterans Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri, said: “The conferment of national hero status on the late Reverend Sithole resonates with the New Dispensation’s drive of leaving no one and no place behind.
“Under my watch, Zimbabwe is a country of equals. With this in mind, the Second Republic has continued with the liberation legacy of fostering national unity across all communities, regions and races. Likewise ZANU PF is consolidating all efforts to unite the people of Zimbabwe, guided by the principle that there is strength in diversity.”
Reverend Sithole died on December 12, 2000 and was laid to rest at his Freedom Farm in the Mt Selinda area.
Speaking during the same function, the late Reverend Sithole’s daughter Dr Sifiso Sithole expressed gratification with President Mnangagwa and the New Dispensation for making strides in correcting historical distortions.
“We feel humbled by this gesture by the New Dispensation led by Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa in demonstrating an unusual and rare pragmatism by departing from a popular norm to address historical distortions. It is undeniable that both records and actions by the late Reverend Sithole make him a hero par excellence.
“On behalf of Reverend Ndabaningi Chandiwana Sithole’s family, the community and citizenry which followed him and his leadership, we consider this a fitting event. Among other qualities, Reverend Sithole was a visionary, principled, selfless, people-oriented and determined man who stood for the good cause of the people,” she said.
Several Cabinet ministers, service chiefs, ZANU PF politiburo and Central Committee members that include Cdes Tshinga Dube, Patrick Chinamasa, Stembiso Nyoni, Enoch Porusingazi and Supa Mandiwanzira attended the event.
Online Reporter