Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has described the late former Vice-President and national hero Cde Simon Vengai Muzenda as a fearless revolutionary whose lifelong commitment to Zimbabwe’s liberation and development continues to inspire present and future generations.
He made the remarks yesterday in a message marking the 23rd anniversary of Cde Muzenda’s death.
Cde Muzenda, born on 28 October 1922, died on 20 September 2003.
President Mnangagwa said the nation was joining the Muzenda family in commemorating the veteran nationalist, who devoted his adult life to the struggle against colonial rule.
“The late Cde Muzenda, who passed away on 20th September 2003, was a fearless freedom fighter and revolutionary who devoted his entire adult life to the liberation of his Motherland from colonial bondage,” said President Mnangagwa.
He added that despite imprisonment by the settler regime, Muzenda’s resolve for a free Zimbabwe remained unbroken.
“Imprisonment by the ruthless colonial regime, his resolve to free his people and country remained unbroken and a source of inspiration to his comrades‑in‑arms and the masses.”
Following independence in 1980, Cde Muzenda became Zimbabwe’s inaugural Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, serving until 1987. He was Vice President from 1987 until his death in 2003.
The President said Cde Muzenda played a pivotal role in rebuilding and uniting a country emerging from war.
“In these portfolios, he played a pivotal role in uniting and building a nation emerging from armed conflict,” he said.
He noted Cde Muzenda’s advocacy for land reform and rural empowerment.
“He ardently championed the Land Reform Programme, and his commonsensical approach to issues contributed immensely to socio‑economic transformation of rural communities and the empowerment of the previously downtrodden indigenous majority in a liberated, independent and democratic Zimbabwe.
“As the ‘Soul of the Nation’, and a down‑to‑earth politician who always championed practical solutions to challenges, Cde Muzenda personified Africanness and eloquently preached unity, peace, love and patriotism at every platform,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa said Cde Muzenda’s legacy remained relevant as Zimbabwe implements the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and pursues rural industrialisation under Vision 2030.
“As we implement the National Development Strategy 2, and as we focus on Rural Industrialisation, we re‑dedicate ourselves to preserving the legacy of Cde Muzenda and other towering revolutionaries of his time and of our Nation,” he said.
He added that Cde Muzenda’s memory should continue to inspire Zimbabweans to value cultural heritage and freedom while working to uplift rural communities.
Cde Muzenda was a prominent figure in the nationalist movement and liberation struggle, and remained influential after independence.
President Mnangagwa concluded his message by honouring him as a veteran nationalist, liberator and cultural icon.
“May the soul of the late veteran nationalist, liberator and cultural icon, Cde Simon Vengai Muzenda, rest in eternal peace,” he said.
