Government is implementing measures to shield Zimbabwe from global economic disruptions caused by war in the Middle East, while remaining open to complementary engagement as it drives structural transformation, especially in mining, where value addition and beneficiation before export, are being vigorously pursued, President Mnangagwa said yesterday.
Speaking at the National Heroes Acre while addressing mourners during the burial of national heroes Cdes Cosmas Chiringa, Cde Elison Mupamaonde and Major General (Retired) Herbert Chingono, the President said the Government is activating necessary systems to cushion citizens.
“I address you at a time of an ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The impact of that war has shaken the entire globe, including here in our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. While my Government has put in place measures to shield us from unforeseen and potential shocks, we must remain vigilant and focused. ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo’,” he said.
The Middle East conflict, pitting the United States of America and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, has seen the price of fuel surging on the international market, a development that has had ripple effects on Zimbabwe.
Government has since said it was unveiling several intervention measures to cushion ordinary people from some of the adverse effects of the war, with measures that include a review of taxes and salaries.
The President addresses thousands of mourners at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday
President Mnangagwa said his Government would continue to transform the economy to improve the lives of its people, anchored on its mineral wealth.
“Meanwhile, we will continue to structurally transform our economy, ensuring that our finite resources are processed and value-added at source, for the benefit of our people. Our partners and investors across all sectors, particularly in mining, have a duty to ensure a durable and mutually beneficial collaboration. The doors of my administration remain open for complementary economic relations,” said President Mnangagwa.
He challenged civil servants to work hard through exemplary conduct, as was demonstrated by Cde Chiringa, who was Permanent Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
“Under my leadership, a title is not a trophy; it is a mandate to serve wholeheartedly, with humility and fairness. Discipline, loyalty, patriotism and collective leadership are the bedrock of our developmental state. The late Cde Chiringa will be remembered as a man who upheld the systems of Government, participatory development, professionalism, order and punctuality,” he said.
“To achieve Vision 2030, our civil service must be an administrative engine of precision, anchored by the unrelenting work ethic that our National Hero, Cde Chiringa, displayed with exemplary conduct. He never allowed the walls of the offices to disconnect him from the residents of our suburbs and rural wards. The tendency of ‘unapproachable and inaccessible public officials’ is unacceptable. We all have a duty to protect the public purse, ensure value for money and reject corruption. We must serve in the national interests.”
President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa follow proceedings on arrival at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday. Joining them is Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe (right). — Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara
President Mnangagwa challenged members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and those in the security sector to cherish the work of the departed heroes.
“I call upon our officers, men, and women of our Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as well as the security sector as a whole, to honour our departed heroes who served in the military and understand your role in the context of our developing, modernising and industrialising state,” he said.
“In an era of hybrid threats and rapid technological changes, you must continue to sharpen your capabilities. Align your professional training with our national aspirations. I call upon the nation to take the occasion of this interment of our three departed heroes, to renew our individual and collective sense of national purpose.”
He said the three heroes took heed to a call of duty when they joined the fight to liberate the country.
“When situations needed brave, reliable and dependable men, who could shield others from enemy attack, these three departed heroes always availed themselves. Inspired by their works, may we, who remain, have a culture of choosing that which is good against that which is evil. Let us always shield our people, national policies and leadership from detractors and malcontents. This critical stage of our revolution calls for cadres and citizens who are unflinchingly patriotic and trustworthy. Zvomene, zvomene, patiri seNyika, tinoda vanhu vakavimbika, nguva dzose, siku ne sikati,” he said.
Cde Chiringa was born on 10 December 1960 in Manicaland and joined the liberation struggle in 1976. He arrived at Doroi Camp soon after the brutal attack at Nyadzonya. He trained at Takawira Base 2 and was subsequently deployed to Nachingweya Camp in Tanzania.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga (right), Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri (left) and Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda (seated second from left, back row) at the burial of Cde Elison Mupamaonde, Cde Cosmas Chiringa, and Major-General (Retired) Dr Herbert Chingono at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday. — Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara
After completing his training, he was appointed political commissar for Regiment 13, responsible for political education and ideological orientation. In 1979, he was deployed to the Musikavanhu Sector in Mozambique.
Later on, he served at Dzapasi Assembly Point, in charge of publicising Zanu PF 1980 Election Manifesto and eventually tasked with the opening up of party offices in Mashonaland Central.
In March 1980, he was selected to attend a senior officers’ course in Romania, where he completed battalion and brigade command courses and obtained a Diploma in Military Strategy.
Having joined the Ministry of Local Government in 1982, he served for 39 years.
He was also an active Zanu PF party cadre, and held several positions that included Provincial Secretary for Administration between 2006 and 2009.
Cde Chiringa holds a Political Science and Administration Degree from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master of Public Sector Management degree from Africa University.
He was a writer and commentator on the liberation struggle and rural development, with several articles published across various platforms.
On the political front, the late National Hero Cde Chiringa, was among the founders of the Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association.
He became the first district chairman for Makoni and later on provincial vice-chairman for Manicaland in 1995 and substantive provincial chairman in 1997.
Service chiefs, from left, Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Emmanuel Matatu, Commander Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Vice Marshall Selebale Masera, Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu wait to see off President Mnangagwa after he presided over the burials at the national shrine yesterday
President Mnangagwa said there was a need to continue pursuing the devolution and decentralisation agenda to honour national heroes like Cde Chiringa.
“Undoubtedly, the milestones we have scored to date are a testament that devolution is a living reality in every village, ward, and district. Under my Administration, we are achieving our development objectives. We have dismantled the old ‘Bamba Zonke’ mentality,” he said.
Turning to Maj Gen (Rtd) Chingono, who was born on 29 January 1958 in Nyazura, the President said his leadership was forged in the classrooms of Nyazura Adventist mission, where he arranged a strike which caught the attention of freedom fighters for recruitment.
This led to his arrest, but that did not deter him, as after his Ordinary Level examinations, he crossed into Mozambique to join the liberation struggle.
The late Maj General (Rtd) Chingono, whose Chimurenga name was “Swift Chakanyuka” became a battle-hardened cadre in the Chitepo Sector.
“His bravery was tested in the fierce Battle of Mavhonde in 1979, one of the most decisive and final large-scale confrontations of the war. It was this gallantry feat that led to his selection for specialised artillery training in Romania, where he excelled and was retained as an instructor,” said President Mnangagwa in his eulogy.
At independence, Maj Gen Chingono (Rtd) brought that expertise home and became a founding battery commander in the Field Artillery Regiment. He was a trusted commander under the overall leadership of the late National Hero Chief Air Chief Marshal Perence Shiri, leading the 2 Field Artillery Regiment and later the amalgamated units with distinction.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda (left) and his Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs counterpart Monica Mavhunga follow proceedings at the burial of three heroes yesterday
He later authored the first-ever formation field-training exercise, ‘EYE OPENER 1’.
He rose within the ranks of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, from a Lieutenant in 1983 to Major General in 2023.
He was conferred with several medals that included the Long and Exemplary Service Medals in recognition of his four decades as a professional soldier within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Other medals awarded included the Mozambique and DRC Campaign Medals, as a testament to his pan-African spirit.
Cde Mupamaonde, whose Chimurenga name was Soft Magarasadza and Dubulani Mlotshwa was born on 18 July 1950.
In 1973, he crossed through Botswana on his way to Tanzania and underwent intensive commando training at Morogoro, alongside personalities such as the former Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General (Retired) Philip Valerio Sibanda.
Recognised for his technical astuteness, he was sent to the Soviet union to master specialised artillery skills.
Upon his return in 1976, he was deployed to the front line and took part in critical missions, including the raids on Kariba Airport and Makuti bases.
In 1979, he was appointed Commander of the Northern Front Two, overseeing a vast liberated territory, turning parts of Mashonaland West into a ‘no-go zone’ for the oppressive colonial Smith regime.
His tactical genius was shown in the June 1977 attack on Kariba, where he personally led a Grad-P10 battery in a bombardment that paralysed Rhodesian positions, without a single loss of life among his men.
Caskets bearing the remains of Cde Elison Mupamaonde, Cde Cosmas Chiringa and Major-General (Retired) Dr Herbert Chingono shortly before their burial at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday
His command was also instrumental during the historic Viscount incidents of 1978 and 1979 near Wamira Hills and Magunje. These operations sent shockwaves throughout the colonial administration.
In 1980, the late National Hero, Cde Mupamaonde, did not seek high office or public acclaim. Having successfully brought together his forces at the Romeo Assembly Point, he proceeded to live a private life.
“He was a pillar of strength for the Centenary community and Mashonaland Central, until his passing on at St Albert’s Mission Hospital. The greatest tribute we can pay to you, Cde Mupamaonde, is through unwavering loyalty to our ongoing developmental revolution,” said President Mnangagwa.
The event was attended by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi, Zanu PF National Chairman and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Zanu PF Politburo members, Cabinet ministers, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Chief Justice Luke Malaba, Service Chiefs and diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, among other people.
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