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Patrick Chitumba Midlands Bureau Chief
War veterans are a clear testimony of the protracted liberation war that was fought by gallant sons and daughters of the country, resulting in Zimbabwe’s independence, an official has said.

Addressing hundreds of zanu-pf supporters at Charandura Growth Point Heroes’ Acre in Chirumanzu yesterday, Chirumhanzu South constituency National Assembly member-elect Cde Barbara Rwodzi said it was important that Zimbabweans take time to commemorate Heroes’ Day.

The main Heroes’ Day commemorations were conducted in Harare and in provincial capitals.

District administrator Mr Tapson Chivanga read President Mnangagwa’s speech.

In the same light, villagers and civil servants in Chirumanzu District, which has Chirumhanzu Zibagwe and Chirumhanzu South constituencies met at Charandura Growth Point Heroes’ Acre to commemorate the day.

Said Cde Rwodzi: “We are here celebrating our heroes, present and departed.

“Some died during the armed struggle and were buried in shallow graves.

“Some are buried at the national and provincial heroes’ acres and we say thank you to them.

“If it was not for these people, I do not think we will be enjoying the freedom and democracy the people talk about.

“War veterans and collaborators are a living testimony of what the country went through.”

Cde Rwodzi said the late Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Nkomo, and Dr Simon Muzenda were some of the late heroes who must be respected and honoured.

“Alive today, we have heroes in the mould of President Mnangagwa, who played a huge role in the liberation struggle which brought about independence and such people must be honoured,” she said.

“I know we are not supposed to campaign today, but when I look at the youths who abuse this freedom brought about by the gallant sons and daughters, I feel like taking up arms and to show such people the need to be patriotic.”

Chirumhanzu Zibagwe Constituency National Assembly member-elect Cde Prosper Machando said he was touched by the youths who voted to take back the country to the former colon- ialists.

He said true and patriotic youths should guard Zimbabwe jealously.

“It is a pity that we now have some outsiders who are going around this district bribing villagers to say that the voting process was not free and fair,” Cde Machando.

“People who do not honour and respect the gallant sons and daughters of the soil are willing to be swayed by money.

“But to those who love this country and are patriotic, please keep on protecting your legacy under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.”

The national secretary-general of Children of Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (CZNLWVA), Cde John Muchenje, said:

“War veterans should be given their special place in this country.

“Dead or alive, we commend the Government for programmes that cater for them and their children.”