Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE Government is rolling out comprehensive nationwide verification and mop-up vetting exercises targeting war collaborators and non-combatant cadres to ensure that all those who participated in the liberation struggle are recognised.
Addressing mourners during the burial of the late national hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Albert Nyamuronda, at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi said the Government was also working with neighbouring countries that provided sanctuary during the liberation struggle to ensure that shrines where freedom fighters are buried are rehabilitated.
He indicated that work in Zambia, Mozambique, Angola and Tanzania is at an advanced stage.
Brig-Gen (Rtd) Nyamuronda died on August 11 at Chitungwiza General Hospital after suffering from a respiratory tract infection.
He was 69.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring that no hero or heroine is forgotten, whether they rest here at home or in neighbouring countries that provided sanctuary during our liberation struggle. Sites in Angola, such as Boma, will be attended to.
“As we move forward, we shall continue working closely with our sister Republics in the region to safeguard these invaluable liberation heritage sites for the benefit of present and future generations.
“The Second Republic fully appreciates that our liberation struggle was won through the collective sacrifice of countless men and women from all corners of the country.
“While some paid the ultimate price on the battlefield, many others contributed in different but equally significant ways as combatants, war collaborators, political mobilisers, couriers, spirit mediums, traditional leaders, and ordinary citizens who provided food, shelter, intelligence, and other forms of support to the liberation movements.
“The Government is fully committed to ensuring that all participants of our liberation struggle are recognised.
“Through the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, the Government has rolled out comprehensive nationwide verification and mop-up vetting exercises specifically targeting war collaborators and non-combatant cadres.
“This ensures that all deserving contributors are registered under the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act (Chapter 17:12), clearing the path for them to receive their rightful recognition, welfare support, and national benefits,” he said.
Acting President Dr Mohadi said Government’s commitment to recognising veterans of the liberation struggle was witnessed by the presentation of medals during the Heroes and Defence Forces Day celebrations.
He said Government would continue to pursue initiatives that ensure liberation history remains complete, inclusive and preserved for future generations.
“It is the Government’s firm conviction that every genuine contribution to the liberation of Zimbabwe deserves recognition and preservation within our national history.
“The liberation struggle was a people’s war, and every Zimbabwean who made a contribution has a place in that proud history.
“As the Second Republic, we reaffirm Government’s commitment to preserving the legacy of every deserving son and daughter of Zimbabwe who contributed to our liberation.
“The greatest tribute we can pay them is not only to remember their sacrifice, but also to build the peaceful, united, prosperous, and sovereign nation for which they fought for.
“In that regard, Government will continue to pursue initiatives that ensure our liberation history remains complete, inclusive, and faithfully preserved for generations to come,” he said.
Acting President Dr Mohadi reiterated Government’s commitment to preserving the dignity of those who participated during the liberation struggle.
He said Government was ensuring that provincial and district shrines are maintained.
“While the National Heroes Acre remains our foremost national shrine and symbol of our collective liberation history, Government equally places significant importance on provincial, district and community shrines.
“These sites are repositories of our local history and preserve the memory of many brave men and women whose sacrifices inspired their communities and contributed immensely to the attainment of our independence.
“To this end, Government, through the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, is strengthening the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach when it comes to sites of historical significance.
“If you recall, as we host our independence commemorations, attention to these sites is one of the activities that is undertaken.
“Graves and the ambience at provincial and district heroes’ acres and related shrines are being standardised and rehabilitated.
“As Government, we remain committed to preserving our liberation heritage in all its dimensions because our history is our identity.
Indeed, ‘Lest We Forget’ is not merely a theme for this year’s commemorations; it is a national commitment to honour every sacrifice, preserve every story and ensure that the legacy of our liberation heroes and heroines continues to inspire present and future generations,” he said.
In his condolence message, Acting President Dr Mohadi urged the nation to emulate Brig-Gen Nyamuronda’s work.
“On behalf of the Nation, Government, our revolutionary mass Party, ZANU PF, my family and myself, I wish to express heartfelt condolences to the Nyamuronda Family over the loss of their beloved.
“Our prayers and sympathies are with you during this trying and difficult period.
“I urge you to take comfort from the fact that the loss is ours together as the nation grieves with you over the departure of this gallant son of the soil. Our solace comes from the great works that he did in service to his country.
“We should acknowledge, celebrate and commit to emulate the late (Rtd) Brigadier-General’s works as we say goodbye to him,” he said.
