Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
SACRIFICES made by liberation war heroes laid the foundation for the gains Zimbabweans are enjoying today, including land, mineral resources and peace, Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
Speaking at the burial of liberation war hero Cde Clement Moyo in Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province on Wednesday, VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe’s unique history must be cherished as it shapes the nation’s future.
Cde Moyo, who died on Sunday at the age of 70, was laid to rest at his homestead in Masibambane Village under Chief Sebasa. President Mnangagwa conferred liberation war hero status on him.
“We are here to bid farewell to Cde Moyo, who played a crucial role as a freedom fighter. People like him have a lot to do with what we have gained as a country — our minerals, our land, which has enabled us to venture into agriculture and the peace we are enjoying today,” said VP Chiwenga.
“Our country has a unique history, which cannot be altered and we must cherish it. What we do today determines where we are going as a nation. The past informs the present and the present informs the future.”
VP Chiwenga paid tribute to Cde Moyo’s contribution during and after the liberation struggle.
“He went on to serve his country after Independence. He played his part in developing the nation and has left each and every one of us with a role to play,” he said.
VP Chiwenga urged Zimbabweans to remain united and work together for national development, describing the late hero as a hard worker, a man of integrity and a unifier.
He said the harsh treatment Cde Moyo endured while working as a general hand under colonial rule pushed him to join the liberation struggle in pursuit of justice for the black majority.
Speaker after speaker described Cde Moyo, affectionately known as “Mthunzi” within his family, as servant-oriented and a pillar of unity in both his family and community.
The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, thanked President Mnangagwa for conferring hero status on Cde Moyo, saying it reflected Government’s recognition and appreciation of his contribution.
“I would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency, the President Dr ED Mnangagwa for granting a liberation hero status to the late Cde Moyo. This is a clear indication that the Government recognises and appreciates his efforts and work,” he said.
VP Chiwenga’s wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, who is related to the late hero, said Cde Moyo had played his part and challenged those still living to reflect and see whether their actions were benefitting or harming their communities.
On behalf of the family, Mr Morrison Sibanda said Cde Moyo was a unifier, who valued discipline and hard work.
“We nicknamed him ‘Mashesha’ because he always wanted to see progress and things being done. He loved agriculture and was one of the best farmers here. That spirit of productivity is a lesson he has left for the family,” he said.
Cde Moyo was born on November 11, 1955, in Masibambaneni Village. He attended Singwango No. 1 Primary School and later worked in Gwanda and Filabusi before joining the liberation struggle in 1977 at the age of 22.
He went to Zambia where he stayed at Nampundwe and Maheba (Base 3), before moving to Angola for military training following bombardments at Maheba. After training, he operated in Binga, Kamativi and Hwange areas.
At ceasefire, Cde Moyo went to Gwayi Assembly Point and was integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army on May 7, 1981. He retired in 2 000 and was an active member of the ruling party Zanu-PF at the time of his death.
He is survived by wife, Musawenkosi and one child.
