Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
THE Land Reform Programme — spearheaded by Zimbabwe’s founding father, the late Cde Robert Mugabe, at the turn of the millennium — represents an “epochal transformation of property relations” that placed the nation in a leadership position across post-colonial Africa while laying a firm, durable base for national empowerment and the attainment of Vision 2030, President Mnangagwa has said.
In a commemorative statement issued today to mark the seventh anniversary of the passing on of Cde Mugabe, President Mnangagwa highlighted the iconic leader’s unassailable revolutionary credentials.
“Today, 6th September 2026, our nation joins the Mugabe family in commemorating the passing on of Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the founding leader of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.
“A revolutionary of unassailable credentials, Cde R.G. Mugabe led our nation through a gruelling, protracted armed struggle against colonial rule, leading to the birth of our nation on 18th April 1980.”
The President said Cde Mugabe’s political journey was defined by sacrifice, resilience and an unyielding commitment to the liberation of Zimbabwe and Africa.
Cde Mugabe served first as Prime Minister and later as Executive President, providing leadership during critical periods of the country’s development.
President Mnangagwa said, “true to his stature as the epitome of the indomitable spirit of resistance to the yoke of colonial bondage on the African continent”, Cde Mugabe endured significant personal sacrifices during the liberation struggle, including 11 years of incarceration under the colonial regime that was determined to perpetuate minority rule “in our richly endowed motherland”.
Following his release from prison in 1974, Cde Mugabe, in 1975, skipped the border into Mozambique, where he went on to lead the decisive phase of the armed liberation struggle that culminated in the Lancaster House Conference of 1979 and ultimately Zimbabwe’s independence.
“Throughout those difficult years, he remained steadfast and principled,” President Mnangagwa added.
“A true son of the soil and a towering Pan-Africanist, Cde Mugabe would not rest until the last vestiges of colonial and apartheid imperialism were eliminated from the African continent, working through the Frontline States and alongside his peers, who included the late Presidents (Julius) Nyerere, (Kenneth) Kaunda, (Agostinho) Neto, (Samora) Machel and (Seretse) Khama.”
One of Cde Mugabe’s most enduring contributions, President Mnangagwa also said, was the Land Reform Programme, which sought to restore land ownership to indigenous Zimbabweans and broaden economic empowerment.
“Never to be satisfied with titular political independence, the founding father of our nation led the Third Chimurenga for the recovery of our birthright, land, through the Land Reform Programme,” he said.
The initiative, together with investments in education and skills development, laid a strong foundation for empowerment and national development as it benefitted thousands of people.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans would continue to honour Cde Mugabe’s contribution to the nation and preserve the values he championed.
“As a people and a nation, we continue to pay tribute to him, and to cherish the rich and priceless legacy he bequeathed to our nation, and which is sure to inspire generations to come,” he said.
The President also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the ideals of independence, unity, peace and freedom that guided the liberation struggle and remain central to the nation’s future.
