By Margaret Kamba
ZANU PF First Secretary and President, His Excellency Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa says the country's heroic sons and daughters must unify the population.
He said this during his speech at the 45th Commemoration of the Heroes Day today.
The celebrations were held at the National Heroes Acre.
"It is my singular honour and privilege to address this 45th Commemoration of our National Heroes Day, an event our nation holds annually in tribute to gallant sons and daughters of the soil, who paid the supreme sacrifice for the liberation of our country. Theirs was a selfless struggle for the freedom we enjoy today, that must forever forever engraved in our collective conscience. This emboldens us to resolutely guard our sovereignty as well as fortify our resolve to build a prosperous economy encapsulated in our national Vision 2030. Today, we also honour the living heroes and heroines who continue to be epitaphs of patriotism,loyalty and commitment to one’s country," he said.
"This 45th Heroes Anniversary allows us to once again take stock of the strides we are making to realise the yester-year goals that saw many departed and living heroes and heroines wage the protracted struggle. Independence in 1980 brought about political independence, while the struggle for the economy remains ongoing. We have a lot to be proud of as the people of this great motherland, Zimbabwe. We are masters of our own destiny, a proud independent, sovereign and empowered African people. Neo-colonialism will never be given a foothold in our nation.
"The protracted war of liberation of our country was fought and won with the support and solidarity of the friendly countries within the comity of nations. We will, thus, continue to foster mutually beneficial relations with countries, guided by the spirit and letter of the United Nations Charter and our inalienable freedom and right to participate, as equals, on the global stage. Let no-one think that they can engage us as masters. We are a sovereign and independent people.
"As we commemorate the sacrifices of our freedom fighters, many of whom were young people, youth participation in socio-economic development and the decision-making processes remain key to my Administration. Multi-sports facilities are being established to promote healthy lifestyles, fight drug and substance abuse, as well as nurture sport as a rewarding career. We take pride in our national teams, athletes as well as sportsmen and sportswomen who continue to raise our flag high on the international sporting arena.
"Today’s commemorations are not just a holiday. They must rekindle the spirit of sacrifice for which the heroes and heroines we are honouring today played their part. The baton has been passed on to us. We, the youth, women and men, in both rural and urban areas, have the duty and responsibility to build a modern and industrialised Zimbabwe. We will never fail. Through our unity, patriotism, focus, zeal and hard work, as one nation, prosperity for all is becoming a reality. We must boldly decide now, that we will not stop at upper-middle-income status or Vision 2030. Let us break the ceiling and see beyond the horizon. As heroes and heroines of the current era, let us open up innovative frontiers and scale unimaginable heights. The spirit and flame of therevolution that inspired many of our gallant heroes and heroines should galvanise us, the united people of Zimbabwe, from Limpopo to Zambezi, from Plumtree to Mutare, towards realising more and more unprecedented milestones. Forward ever, backward never. Success and prosperity are certain."