Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has described the late former Vice President and national hero Cde Simon Vengai Muzenda as a fearless freedom fighter whose legacy continues to inspire Zimbabwe’s pursuit of rural development, unity and national progress.
He made the remarks in a commemorative message marking the 23rd anniversary of Cde Muzenda’s death on September 20, 2003.
He said Cde Muzenda devoted his adult life to the liberation of Zimbabwe and remained resolute despite imprisonment under the colonial regime.
“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,” President Mnangagwa said.
“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.”
Cde Muzenda served as the inaugural Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1980 to 1987 before becoming Vice President in 1987, a position he held until his death.
President Mnangagwa said Cde Muzenda played a pivotal role in rebuilding and uniting the country after the liberation war, while championing the Land Reform Programme and the empowerment of rural communities.
He said Cde Muzenda was popularly remembered as the “Soul of the Nation” and personified African values while advocating unity, peace, love and patriotism.
“Our memories of Muzenda shall always inspire current and future generations to cherish their cultural heritage and freedom, and to relentlessly work for the betterment of rural communities of which he was an integral part,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Government’s focus on Rural Industrialisation under the National Development Strategy 2 was also a way of preserving the legacy of Cde Muzenda and other liberation icons.
He described the late Vice President as a veteran nationalist, liberator and cultural icon and said his contribution should continue to inspire generations.
“May the soul of the late veteran nationalist, liberator and cultural icon, Cde Simon Vengai Muzenda, rest in eternal peace,” President Mnangagwa said.
