Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday urged Zimbabweans to uphold the values of patriotism, unity and hard work, saying these should drive the quest of the country for economic transformation.
He said this at the National Heroes Acre where thousands of people gathered to witness the burial the late Air Commodore (Rtd) Simon Brian Bere, who died on April 24 this year.
President Mnangagwa framed the life of the late liberation war fighter, decorated air force officer, and public servant as a mirror for Zimbabweans to reflect on their own contribution to nation-building.
“The late gallant son of the soil was an asset to us all,” he said, describing Bere as a man who “exhibited unparalleled patriotism, loyalty, discipline and unflinching dedication to our country, never seeking personal glory.”
Air Commodore Bere was honoured for his role in the liberation struggle, his service in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, and later his contribution to the welfare of veterans of the liberation war.
President Mnangagwa said Bere’s journey from a young freedom fighter, crossing into Mozambique in 1978 to a senior military officer and government official, embodied the spirit of sacrifice that secured Zimbabwe’s independence.
“To understand the late national hero, it is critically important to contextualize the historical times that informed his revolutionary decisions,” President Mnangagwa said, recalling the inequalities and oppression that defined colonial Rhodesia and compelled many young Zimbabweans to take up arms.
He urged citizens, particularly the youth, not to trivialize the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.
“It took supreme bravery, courage and determination in a struggle where victory was certain, but the timelines unknown,” he said, adding that independence “was not donated and never came on a silver plate.”
Moving beyond reflection, Mnangagwa challenged Zimbabweans to define their role in the country’s future, posing a direct question: “What is it that we can contribute to consolidate the gains of our hard-won independence?”
He stressed that the country is now in what he termed the “Fourth Chimurenga,” focused on economic empowerment, industrialization and modernization under the vision to attain upper middle income status by 2030.
“All of us have the weighty obligation to consolidate national unity and work with vision and focus to drive Zimbabwe to a higher economic status,” he said.
President Mnangagwa called on different sectors of society to play their part, with farmers ensuring food security, youths dominating emerging sectors like the digital economy and artificial intelligence, and civil servants delivering results with patriotism, urgency, humility and focus.
“To the Youth, your battleground is now the Digital Economy, Mining, Tourism and Manufacturing sectors,” he said, urging young people to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship.
He paid tribute to Bere’s military and post-independence service, noting his rise through the ranks to Air Commodore and his role in advancing programs for war veterans.
“We mourn him, but also celebrate a life of merit, hard-work, loyalty, patriotism, discipline, exemplary leadership, and results,” he said.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding the legacy of liberation heroes, declaring: “We shall continue the march, flying high the sacred flag of our motherland and forever safeguard the rich legacy bequeathed to us.”
New Ziana
