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Elita Chikwati-Features Editor
Mr Devnanda Popatlal was awarded the Royal Order of Munhumutapa on Heroes Day this year for his contribution towards Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The award, which is the highest for a foreign citizen, was for his contributions during the liberation struggle when Zanu set up offices in Maputo, Mozambique.
Mr Popatlal, an Indian comrade who became part of the Zanu family, helped the party’s secretary for finance Cde Chrispen Mandizvidza, who had been tasked to look at how it could relocate from Zambia to Mozambique.
He assisted by organising accommodation, providing security and sourcing various materials, including clothes and medication whenever necessary, although it was risky to do so.
Mr Popatlal expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for bestowing the honour on him.
“It was through the grace of God that I managed to help comrades from Zimbabwe and pledged to continue working for the country,” he said.
“When I look back, I even wonder how I managed to do some of the things I did. I feel honoured because besides becoming part of Zanu, I learnt a lot from these comrades.
“I learnt the concept of patriotism, the concept of citizenship and I learnt what it meant to be determined, to have a vision and a mission.
“I have the passion to teach the youth about the liberation struggle and being patriotic. I want to teach children what it is to be patriotic. I need to go to schools and give my testimony of the liberation struggle.
“The young ones should know what liberation struggle is, their heroes. Obviously, they do not know much. That injection, we have to administer when they are still young so they must feel part and parcel of the motherland.
Mr Popatlal said this would propel and inspire the youths to be proud of being Zimbabweans.
During the liberation struggle, Mr Popatlal assisted by organising accommodation, providing security and sourcing various materials, including clothes and medication whenever necessary.
“This is fundamental. We should promote the Zimbabwean culture. We do not want to be influenced by the West. Although the world is progressive and in constant transformation and mutation, we have to adapt to a certain level,” he said.
Mr Popatlal said there was a need to promote a culture of peace, progress and prosperity.
“The concept of peace, progress and prosperity, I love to mention the triple Ps because this will conduct us to progress. Progress comes with industrialisation according to the vision of our President. We must produce our own consumables. We do not want to be dependent on anybody else,” he said.
He denounced the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West, and said despite the stringent measures, the country had continued to move on.
“I want to say to those who imposed illegal sanctions, they can go to hell. We are moving towards the good of our future, the good of our Zimbabwe.
”We are going to leave a legacy for our future generations to enjoy the fruits of our independence,” said Mr Popatlal.
“Independence came through the liberation struggle. The liberation struggle door in Mozambique. Mozambique became independent in 1975 and immediately we accommodated our comrades from Zanu.”
He appealed to future generations to respect leaders who sacrificed their lives to liberate Zimbabwe.
“Our children should understand the “Pamberi neHondo” slogan and what it means to them. They must understand that it means they should go ahead with education, inspire and excel in any field for their investment. The young ones should be unstoppable,” said Mr Popatlal.
“I am happy that the bond between Frelimo and Zanu PF is still strong, but I think there is need to increase the economic and social interactivity between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Through the Zimbabwe-Mozambique Friendship Association, we are trying our best to link the two countries at different levels, but more still needs to be done.”
Mr Popatlal was one of the invited guests at the Independence celebrations on April 18, 1980.
He came with his wife and later on relocated to Zimbabwe where his children had access to education.
He is a board member for National Handling Services and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter