Online Reporter
Winnie Chimwaza
As Zimbabwe commemorates Heroes Day tomorrow, Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora are called upon to pause, reflect and honour the extraordinary men and women whose courage and sacrifice secured the nation’s independence and sovereignty.
Today, President Mnangagwa continues to lead the nation in advancing the vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe.
His leadership is focused on nation-building through the promotion of national development, economic empowerment and inclusive participation, while upholding the enduring values of unity, patriotism, peace and national pride for which our heroes and heroines fought and sacrificed.
Under his leadership, particular emphasis has been placed on the empowerment of women by expanding opportunities for economic participation, entrepreneurship, leadership and political representation.
These initiatives reflect the aspirations of Zimbabwe’s liberation heroes and heroines, whose struggle was not only for independence but also for a nation founded on freedom, equality, dignity and shared prosperity.
As Zimbabwe continues on its development journey, the sacrifices of those who secured our independence remain the guiding inspiration for building a stronger and more inclusive future for every Zimbabwean.
The freedoms and independence that Zimbabweans enjoy today were neither accidental nor freely bestowed on us.
They were earned through unwavering determination, immense courage, resilience and the ultimate sacrifice of countless men and women who devoted their lives to the struggle for the liberation of Zimbabwe.
Their enduring legacy continues to inspire successive generations to uphold the principles of unity, patriotism, sovereignty and national development upon which our nation was founded.
Among the distinguished pioneers of our liberation heritage are national figures such as Mbuya Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana, whose prophetic courage became a rallying call for resistance; Sekuru Kaguvi (Gumbo Reshumba), her steadfast counterpart in the First Chimurenga; iNkosi Lobengula Khumalo, who courageously defended the sovereignty and dignity of the people.
There are many other brave patriots, including revered women such as Mbuya Chigodora and countless other spirit mediums, traditional leaders and community organisers whose contributions strengthened the struggle for self-determination.
In the later years, Cde Sheba Tavarwisa (born Shumirai Wekwete) demonstrated that women were not mere supporters but central actors in the armed liberation war.
Their sacrifices were carried forward by thousands of liberation war combatants, war collaborators and the many men and women who served in logistical, intelligence, medical and community support roles.
Together, they formed the backbone of Zimbabwe’s liberation movement, sustaining the struggle under extraordinarily difficult circumstances and laying the enduring foundation upon which the Republic of Zimbabwe proudly stands today.
As we commemorate Heroes Day, we honour not only those whose names are inscribed in our national history, but also the many unsung heroes and heroines whose courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment secured the freedom, peace and sovereignty that every Zimbabwean enjoys today.
Their sacrifice remains a sacred reminder that the responsibility of every generation is to preserve our hard-won independence, protect our national unity and continue building a prosperous Zimbabwe for future generations.
As Zimbabweans, wherever we may live across the world, we share a collective responsibility to honour the blood that was shed for our freedom.
Heroes Day is not only a day of remembrance but also a solemn commitment to preserve the history of our liberation struggle and to ensure that future generations understand the price that was paid for the nation’s independence.
The ZANU PF UK Women’s League, therefore, extends its sincere appreciation to President Mnangagwa for his continued commitment to the empowerment of women as an integral pillar of Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
The support and empowerment initiatives extended to women in the diaspora have strengthened our confidence in Zimbabwe’s development trajectory and reaffirmed our shared responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth.
These initiatives reflect a vision that recognises women as key drivers of economic development, community resilience and national prosperity, while creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, leadership and sustainable livelihoods.
The ZANU PF UK Women’s League proudly joins Zimbabweans across the world in paying tribute to our fallen and living heroes and heroines.
We express our profound gratitude for the freedoms secured through their courage, sacrifice and unwavering patriotism.
Inspired by their legacy, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering women, strengthening families, promoting unity and supporting sustainable national development in pursuit of a prosperous and inclusive Zimbabwe.
As we commemorate Heroes Day, let us honour not only those whose names are immortalised in our nation’s history, but also the countless unsung heroes and heroines whose courage, resilience and selfless service made Zimbabwe’s independence possible.
Their enduring legacy lives on in every Zimbabwean who works to uphold the values of peace, unity, patriotism, sovereignty and national pride.
Together, let us preserve the freedoms they secured and continue building a stronger, more prosperous Zimbabwe for present and future generations.
Their sacrifice gave us freedom. Our responsibility is to preserve it, protect it and build upon it for generations to come.
Lest we forget!
Cde Winnie Chimwaza is the ZANU PF UK District Women’s League leader. She was speaking to Zimpapers Politics Hub’s Gibson Nyikadzino.
