Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday said the Government has put in place measures to shield Zimbabwe’s economy from potential shocks arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He made the remarks during a triple burial of heroes at the National Heroes Acre, where Retired Major-General Herbert Chingono (68), former senior public servant Cosmas Chiringa (67) and war veteran Elison Mupamawonde (76) were laid to rest.
“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.
“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 durable, mutually beneficial collaboration. The doors of my Administration remain open for complementary economic relations,” President Mnangagwa said.
He added that Zimbabweans should honour the departed heroes by supporting the Government’s devolution and decentralisation agenda.
“These gallant national heroes we are laying to rest at this shrine were mentors and standard bearers, whose legacies will inspire generations to come. Their impact extends from the courageous footprints of our liberation war, professional echelons of our military and civil service. They served with unflinching patriotism, consistency, persistence, humility, and distinction; they led with honour and selflessness, earning their place here, among the departed illustrious sons and daughters of Zimbabwe.
“To honour them, let us continue to ensure the success of our ongoing Devolution and decentralisation agenda. 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,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the three national heroes demonstrated courage and reliability during critical periods of the liberation struggle.
“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,” he said.
Mupamawonde, whose Chimurenga names were Soft Magarasadza and Dubulani Mlotshwa, joined the liberation struggle in 1973, crossing through Botswana to Tanzania where he underwent intensive commando training at Morogoro alongside other fighters, including retired Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda.
Chiringa joined the liberation struggle in 1976 and trained at Takawira Base 2 before deployment to Nachingweya Camp in Tanzania. He later served as Political Commissar for Regiment 13 and worked at Dzapasi Assembly Point, where he helped publicise the 1980 election manifesto.
After independence, he joined the Ministry of Local Government in 1982 and served for 39 years. He also played a key role in coordinating processes that led to the implementation of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme.
“To the men and women who currently occupy various positions across stations of our Public Service, I urge you to take a leaf from the life of our national hero, Cosmas Chiringa. 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 is the bedrock of our developmental state. 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,” President Mnangagwa said.
He also paid tribute to Chingono, describing him as a trusted commander who served under the late national hero Air Chief Marshal Perence Shiri.
In his later years, Chingono transitioned into the agricultural sector, contributing to national food security and sovereignty as a chief director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Monday’s burial marked Zimbabwe’s fourth triple burial at the national shrine.
New Ziana
