‘We feel honoured’

Emmanuel Kafe

Families of the national heroes that have been honoured by the Government through all-night musical galas in their home provinces have expressed gratitude to the Second Republic for recognising their love ones’ contributions to the country’s independence and development.

The Office of the President and Cabinet has so far hosted seven galas in recognition of national heroes that include late vice presidents Dr John Landa Nkomo, Dr Simon Muzenda and Cde Joseph Msika; founding ZANU president Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole; Cde James Chikerema; and Dr Tichafa Samuel Parirenyatwa.

The families’ representatives who spoke to The Sunday Mail said they feel honoured by the Second Republic.

Cde Msika’s family spokesperson Mr Maxwell Msika said: “In the past, we felt sidelined and ignored. But now, with the advent of the Second Republic, we have seen a shift and platforms have been opened by the authorities, where they are addressing our grievances.

“As a family, we felt very honoured by the Second Republic. The multitudes of people who graced the gala and indeed the electric atmosphere bore testimony to the connection that the Second Republic has with the masses.”

He said such a gesture was a true testimony of President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.

Mr Msika said the celebration of the country’s heroes infuses a sense of patriotism into young people.

Cde Chikerema’s widow, Mrs Phildah Molly Chikerema, said Government’s gesture was welcome and should be extended to all deserving heroes.

“We are very happy; this is what should be done,” she said.

“As a family, we felt that the nation finally mourned Cde Chikerema.

“We are grateful to the President and his team for making it happen; everyone participated, and we felt remembered.”

Cde Chikerema, who died in 2006, was conferred with national hero status last year.

“I want to thank President Mnangagwa for according my husband national hero status. As we struggled during the war, we knew this country would be better under black people.

“Cde Chikerema’s national hero status was well-deserved and has made all the struggles he faced worthwhile.”

A gala in honour of Cde Chikerema was held at Chikangwe Satadium in Karoi.

Dr Sifiso Sithole, daughter of Rev Sithole, said her family was proud of his contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation.

“I feel very proud because of the sacrifices made by my father, together with our beloved brave men and women, many of whom have now passed away,” she said.

“They gave their all and were committed and dedicated to the cause of the liberation struggle.

“They fought a very good fight that put to an end a governance system that was inhuman.

“My father spearheaded the liberation war, but he worked very closely with many others.”