By Shadreck Gurenje
President Mnangagwa has said Education institutions must rise to the occasion and produce young people that can effectively drive the development, prosperity and growth of the nation.
Addressing mourners at the burial of the late National Hero Brigadier General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga at the National Heroes Acre today, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa challenged the education sector along with the youth and learners at every level, to be inspired by the rich liberation war history and leverage on the Heritage Based Education 5.0 introduced under the Second Republic.
“Many schools of yester-year, like those attended by our heroes, throughout the country, were the hot beds of political education and awakening which saw many young people make the crucial decision to fight for the liberation, freedom and independence of our country. Such was the centrality of schools as mobilisation grounds towards our liberation war efforts.
“At the present time, there is a new kind of revolution, one that is driven by science, technology, digitization and innovation. Education institutions must rise to the occasion and produce young people that can effectively drive the development, prosperity and growth of our nation.
“I, further, challenge the sector, therefore, along with the youth and learners at every level, to be inspired by our rich liberation war history and leverage on our Heritage Based Education 5.0 to be the new heroes who propel a knowledge driven economy, anchored on new technologies, for the industrialisation and modernisation of our nation, beyond Vision 2030,”said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa also reiterated that the Second Republic is scaling up policies and programmes that will see the full realization of the aspirations that inspired many of people in Zimbabwe.
“The Second Republic is scaling up policies and programmes that will see the full realization of the aspirations that inspired many of the sons and daughters of Zimbabwe to wage the protracted war of liberation. National unity, peace, development and social cohesion remain at the core of all activities of Government.
“Similarly, the solidarity and support that helped us in our war for independence and endure the years under sanctions inform our choices. We remain forever an independent, free and sovereign people, “a friend to all and an enemy of none”, driven by our national interests, ”said President Mnangagwa.
The late Brigadier General (Rtd) Mpabanga, was born in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province in 1956 and grew up against a background of increasing colonial supremacy on one hand and the rapid decolonization of Africa, on the other.
President Mnangagwa described the late National Hero as a decorated soldier who never sought preference or special recognition, and dutifully performed in appointed designations without grumbling or bickering always remaining loyal, trustworthy and reliable.
“He served our country, in the military with diligence and utmost professionalism. He had a traceable and illustrious career, in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, systematically undertaking military career courses in accordance with his rank.
“An outstanding General Officer, he was awarded medals which include the Liberation Medal, Independence of Zimbabwe Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, DRC Campaign Medal, Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.
“The late Retired Brigadier General Mpabanga never sought preference or special recognition and dutifully performed in appointed designations without grumbling or bickering always remaining loyal, trustworthy and reliable. He never exhibited a sense of entitlement or an attitude of superiority, he was a humble officer and son of Zimbabwe," said President Mnangagwa.