Source: ‘Our growth trajectory irreversible’ . . . President hails collective effort, discipline – herald
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
THE Second Republic’s policies and initiatives are yielding undeniable positive results, catapulting Zimbabwe from recovery to faster growth, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the burial of Brigadier-General (Retired) Donald Silundi Tshuma at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare yesterday, the President said the country’s prevailing macro-economic stability was not accidental, but the result of collective discipline, resilience, focus and unity of purpose.
“Our economy remains on an irreversible growth trajectory, expected at 5 percent in 2026, following a 6,6 percent rebound in 2025.
“The IMF, World Bank, and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa all confirm this trend,” he said.
In remembrance of Brigadier-General (Retired) Tshuma and other departed heroes and heroines, the President urged Zimbabweans to give their best service to the country, as their sacrifice underpinned the nation’s independence and enabled it to control its resources and chart its own destiny.
President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa salute mourners after the burial of Brigadier-General (Retired) Donald Silundi Tshuma at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare yesterday.
“Our late National Hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Tshuma, stayed the course and together with his generation, they remained committed to see a prosperous Zimbabwe, where our communities have a higher quality of life.
“In this regard, it is critically important that, sector by sector, we must take pride and celebrate the evident success milestones,” he said.
Under the Second Republic, President Mnangagwa said the country’s rich liberation war heritage would continue being honoured by recognising “our heroes, teaching our customs and promoting our languages, as well as protecting the sacred sites of this country”.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe, lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo.
“Nation-building entails daily patriotic acts, by all of us. Province by province, community by community, let us always remember that a nation without an identity and culture is like a tree without roots,” said the President.
Key indicators of the country’s growth include the energy, transport, water and Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure that has been rolled out across the country.
Apart from that, mining, the backbone of the economy, with earnings reaching US$7 billion in 2025, is also doing well.
With focus now shifting to local beneficiation and value addition, the President reiterated that his administration would continue to implement responsive policies for broad-based empowerment and wealth creation.
President Mnangagwa shares a lighter moment with First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa at the burial of Brig-Gen (Retired) Donald Silundi Tshuma at the national shrine in Harare yesterday.
“Reforms in the mining sector, particularly with regard to the small-scale mining of gold, will see the participation of more locals.
“Our agriculture sector is growing and improving national food security and sovereignty,” he said.
President Mnangagwa then told the youth that when the late Cde Tshuma was their age he crossed into Zambia to liberate the country.
He said Zimbabwe was enjoying peace, independence and freedom due to the sacrifices of its forebears.
As such, the President rallied the youth to “defend our revolution and reject those who want to use you as tools to denigrate your country”.
“Choose to be part of those building our nation as entrepreneurs across all sectors, including the digital space and in laboratories and on our God-given land.
“The modernisation, industrialisation and the realisation of Vision 2030 is ours together,” he said.
President Mnangagwa described the late National Hero, who died aged 71, as having served Zimbabwe with honour and distinction prior to independence, and then in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, until his retirement.
He said the late Brig Gen (Rtd) Tshuma was a disciplined and distinguished military officer who provided exemplary leadership within the armed forces.
President Mnangagwa hands over the national flag to Brig-Gen (Rtd) Donald Silundi Tshuma’s daughter, Farai, at the national shrine yesterday.
“On behalf of our revolutionary mass Party, ZANU PF, the nation, Government, and on my behalf, I once again express my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Tshuma Family.
“As we mourn with you the loss of a beloved son, father and relative, we collectively honour his heroic contribution to Zimbabwe.
“He endured the weighty responsibility of our liberation struggle and national assignments with bravery and steadfast commitment.
“It is, therefore, befitting that we inter our national hero alongside luminaries of our country, at this sacred national shrine,” said the President.
He went on to describe the life of the late Brig Gen (Rtd) Tshuma as a “template of persistent patriotism and loyalty, which should be emulated”.
Born on July 12, 1955 in Nkayi District, the late National Hero faced the perilous conditions at the height of Rhodesian brutalities.
He made a life-threatening decision to fight the oppressive colonial regime, by joining the Zimbabwe African People’s union (ZAPU).
In no time, his leadership traits were evident, which resulted in his appointment as the District Organising Secretary for Gwabalanda in the ZAPU Youth League.
“He played a critical role towards mobilising the youth to join the Liberation Struggle.
“His activities made him a person of interest and a target of the Rhodesian Special Branch.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda and his Transport and Infrastructure Development counterpart Felix Mhona converse on arrival at the National Heroes Acre.
“In 1976, he escaped, through Botswana en route to Zambia, to join the Liberation Struggle,” said President Mnangagwa.
Cde Tshuma completed his initial military training at Mwembeshi, where he learnt the art of war and the reality that freedom would not be given on a silver platter but earned through blood and sacrifice.
At the end of his training, he was deployed along the Zambezi River, on the border with Zambia, with duties that included reconnaissance and surveillance operations, as well as route-protection for cadres crossing into and out of Rhodesia.
In 1978, the late General Officer was part of cadres led by the late National Hero, General Lookout Masuku, that were sent to Libya for further military training.
Whilst acknowledging and respecting all forms of religions, but conscious of their identity, the group could not undertake the training owing to set pre-conditions.
President Mnangagwa said this was a bold statement which demonstrated that “we are a people with our own culture, norms, values and identity”.
Service Chiefs follow proceedings at the burial.
“Colonialism tried to belittle our languages and peddle narratives that claimed our history began in 1890, as the white supremacist disregarded that we were a proud and self-reliant and sophisticated civilisation prior to their invasion and theft of our land.
“The late Cde Tshuma and his generation deconstructed such falsehoods. Their fight restored our history, dignity, identity and destiny.
“In 1979, the late National Hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Tshuma, went to the then USSR for further military training.
“At ceasefire, he returned home, to serve. He was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army and posted to 1.9 Infantry Battalion,” he said.
President Mnangagwa further chronicled Brig-Gen Tshuma’s distinguished service.
“During his illustrious service, he fought in the Mozambique and DRC campaigns.
The casket bearing the remains of Brig-Gen (Rtd) Donald Silundi Tshuma ahead of the burial.
“Under a United Nations Mission, he was deployed to South Sudan, as an Observer,” he said.
In honour of his service and leadership, the late General Officer was awarded the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, the Ten Years’ Service Medal, the Long and Exemplary Service Medal, the Mozambican Campaign Medal, the DRC Campaign Medal, and the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit.
“Today, Zimbabwe says, thank you. Your professional and exceptional patriotism, loyalty, consistency and persistence are praise worthy of emulation.
“The flag you defended shall continue to fly high and the flame of the people’s revolution shall burn eternally. As Zimbabweans, from Plumtree to Mutare, Beitbridge to Chirundu, we are clear of this weighty obligation.
Part of the crowd that attended the burial. — Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara.
“Under my leadership, this sacred path will never be abandoned. Under the current 4th Chimurenga, the revolution continues,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, as well as Cabinet ministers, Zanu PF Politburo and Central Committee members and other senior Government officials, were also in attendance.
COMMENTS