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Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) chairman and Special Advisor to the President Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa has urged war veterans in Gokwe to unite and uphold the values of “Operation Restore Legacy”.

Speaking at a party held last weekend in Gokwe to celebrate Cde Victor Matemadanda’s appointment to the Zanu-PF Politburo, Cde Mutsvangwa said it was the duty of war veterans to safeguard and guarantee the vision of the exercise that was held in November last year.

“We had Cde Matemadanda, Cde Douglas Mahiya and myself when we told the former president Robert Mugabe to leave his wife out of politics,” he said.

“We did not fight to have a Mugabe dynasty in Zimbabwe, but we wanted a better nation that has vision for our children and the next generation.”

Cde Mutsvangwa said it was important to recognise that the people overwhelmingly supported the transition to a new political order.

“We are told that he (Mugabe) is now forming a party with (Ambrose) Mutinhiri,” he said.

“That is hogwash. How can a failed person lead another failed person? Zanu-PF is a party that has a better vision.”

Cde Mutsvangwa said the former President had been removed from office because he had since abandoned the sacred values of the liberation struggle.

“The dispensation that we are celebrating today didn’t come easy,” he said.

“Factionalism was tearing the party and people like Matemadanda had to put their lives on the line in defence of the ideals and the party.

“We are happy that Zimbabwe is on a path to recovery and is blessed with a listening President in the mould of Cde Mnangagwa.”

Cde Matemadanda, who is ZNLWVA’s secretary-general, said Mr Mugabe should not torment his soul by forcing a political comeback.

“Mugabe should just rest because he is now tormenting his soul by coming back,” he said.

“He must be reminded that he has never been a war veteran and he cannot be a member of the Patriotic Front because he never participated in any war.

“He cannot call his party Patriotic Front, but patriotic fail.”

The “criminals” around Mr Mugabe, said Cde Matemadanda, should let him rest and allow progressive elements in the party and Zanu-PF to move forward.

“Mugabe is dreaming,” he said. “How can he say his wife is being harassed while she is in the comfort of her home? What about the harassment we endured at his hands?

“Our rights have been violated and we have been harassed while being detained in filthy jails.

“Mugabe must not complain about harassment, he is only tasting his own medicine.”

Cde Matemadanda encouraged Zimbabweans to vote for President Mnangagwa in the coming elections.