By Shadreck Gurenje

 President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the nation must not tire as much more work is on track to be done to build Zimbabwe.

Addressing thousands of mourners at the burial of the late national hero Cde Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu at Heroes Acre, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa said the late National Hero demonstrated unquestionable patriotism and loyalty which must be embraced by every Zimbabwean as the nation undertake different national responsibilities.

“Meanwhile, let us continue to embrace unity, peace, love and tolerance, for those with divergent views. For these are the defining features of our country’s national virtues. The late National Hero, Cde Chigudu, demonstrated unquestionable patriotism, loyalty,

“These must always be guiding principles for every Zimbabwean as we undertake our different national responsibilities. Much more work is still before us. We cannot tire or lose heart. Let us maintain our focus and discipline to build the Zimbabwe we all want. None but ourselves have this weighty obligation.

“We must, therefore, remain bold and confident in our abilities as a proud, truly independent African people with our national character embedded in a rich liberation heritage.

“Our sacred national flag is a constant reminder of what we are as a people and our national anthem is our daily prayer to Almighty God as petition on behalf of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. As we honour and our national hero today, I call upon you have this duty, not only for the present generations but the future as well,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa also said Government and the public sector must work  in unison in  preaching peace and unity with one common objective.

“Together, under our watch, in Government, the private sector and the communities as a whole, moving forward hand in hand; in peace and unity; with one common objective, Zimbabwe shall be a beacon of prosperity which shines brighter and brighter.

“ Finally, as we lay to rest the late National Hero, Comrade Chigudu alongside his comrades and colleagues here at our revered National Heroes Acre, I say to you rest in peace our comrade, cadre and patriotic public servant, “said President Mnangagwa.

The late National Hero, Cde Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu was born on the 13th of August 1942. He did his early education at Chigudu School and Cyrene Mission before proceeding to Harare Secondary School. In 1964, he was expelled, following his political activism.

He left the country in the same year and joined other patriotic cadres in Zambia. Our late National Hero, Cde Chigudu, was among many brave, selfless sons and daughters of the soil who took a stand and fought for our Independence.

 He is honoured as one of the first combatants to be sent for training in North Korea under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU). He was deployed as an intelligence operative in the then Salisbury.

During that period, he undertook ‘risky and critical mission tasks’ which helped to gather information regarding the modus operandi of the racist Rhodesian forces. This was instrumental in assisting the guerrilla war command element in the planning and execution of special military operations. The late National Hero, Cde Chigudu, was unfortunately captured, detained and imprisoned for 12 years by the Rhodesian settler regime.