adminThe Herald, 12 August, 1981
THE late ZANU (PF) chairman, Mr Herbert Chitepo, was a true patriot and revolutionary who stood above tribe, race or region, the Prime Minister, Mr Mugabe, told a huge gathering of mourners yesterday.
Speaking during the burial at Heroes’ Acre of the ZANU chairman who died in a landmine explosion outside his Lusaka home in March 1975, he said Mr Chitepo was a man of great intellect which he had applied to the cause of the nation.
“There is still no greater way of paying tribute to this heroic son of Zimbabwe than constantly reminding ourselves of what Chitepo stood for, so we can continually be inspired to work assiduously to consolidate our independence,” Mr Mugabe said.
He told the mourners that Mr Chitepo had friends across the board and had been an extremely hard worker with little time for relaxation.
“His commitment to the cause of the struggle was total. He was no opportunist or deviationist, for he was a man of principle. He sacrificed his life for our freedom and independence,” the Prime Minister said. He called on all Zimbabweans to ask themselves whether the virtues of Mr Chitepo were part of them”.
“If not, why not? Herbert enjoins us to greater revolutionary commitment so the socio-economic goals of our revolution can be attained with the same determination and in the same way as the political goals have been achieved, Mr Mugabe said. He told Mrs Victoria Chitepo, her children and relatives to take comfort in the thought that Mr Chitepo died in the hands of the nation and for the cause of the people.
“Take greater comfort that the cause he died for has now been won. Take greater comfort still that as he made a permanent sacrifice for our whole nation so will the whole nation accord him a permanent place of honour as a national hero.
“Though his body is no longer with us, his spirit shall forever live with us,” the Prime Minister said.
“It was just as well that we had to wait for this solemn occasion to occur now, when his enemies and ours have suffered defeat, when the country he died for has become Zimbabwe, when the masses for whom he fell have been freed, and the soil in which he will be laid to rest has once again become Zimbabwean soil.”
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Today is National Heroes Day. This year marks 43 years since the reinterment of Cde Chitepo’s remains at the National Heroes Acre. Cde Chitepo was among the first heroes to be reburied at the national shrine.
Former President Mugabe, after Cde Chitepo’s assassination in 1975, often referred to him as a “true patriot” and a significant figure in the struggle for Zimbabwe’s independence. He played a crucial role in mobilising support for the liberation movement against colonial rule.
Cde Chitepo like other heroes of the liberation struggle, played a pivotal role in shaping Zimbabwe’s revolutionary landscape.
Cde Chitepo’s leadership qualities and commitment to the cause of liberation earned him immense respect among his peers. In various speeches and statements, President Mugabe emphasised that Cde Chitepo embodied the spirit of patriotism necessary for achieving Zimbabwe’s freedom from colonial rule.
Online Reporter