By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – Acting President Kembo Mohadi has urged Zimbabweans to draw inspiration from the life and service of the late national hero, Brigadier-General (Retired) Albert Jack Nyamuronda, describing him as a dedicated and humble servant whose contribution to the liberation struggle and national security will remain part of the country’s history.
Speaking at the burial of Brig-Gen (Rtd) Nyamuronda at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Monday, Acting President Mohadi said the late liberation war fighter represented the values of patriotism, discipline, sacrifice and commitment to duty.
He said Nyamuronda’s life demonstrated the extent to which ordinary Zimbabweans contributed to the country’s liberation, stressing that the struggle for independence was a collective effort that demanded sacrifices from everyone.
“The liberation struggle was a people’s war, and every Zimbabwean who contributed to the struggle has a proud and permanent place in our national history. We therefore remember and honour those who sacrificed their lives, their time and their personal comforts for the attainment of our independence and sovereignty.
“Their courage, dedication and patriotism laid the foundation upon which our nation was built. As we honour our heroes like (the) Brig Gen (Rtd) whom we are laying to rest today, we must continue to preserve their legacy and ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices that brought about the Zimbabwe we have today,” he said.
Acting President Mohadi said Government remained committed to ensuring that the contribution of liberation war participants was properly documented and recognised, including those who served in different capacities outside the battlefield.
He said the Government regarded the liberation struggle as a collective national undertaking involving combatants, war collaborators, political mobilisers, couriers, traditional leaders, spirit mediums and ordinary citizens who provided food, shelter, intelligence and other forms of support.
“The Government is rolling out nationwide verification and mop-up vetting exercises targeting war collaborators and non-combatant cadres to ensure that deserving participants are registered and received the recognition and benefits provided for under the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act,” he said.
Acting President Mohadi said such efforts were part of a broader national responsibility to preserve Zimbabwe’s liberation history and pass it on to future generations.
Turning to the life of Nyamuronda, Acting President Mohadi said the late national hero had distinguished himself through decades of military and national service, earning several medals and honours for his contribution to Zimbabwe’s security and peacekeeping efforts.
Among the honours bestowed on him were the Independence Medal, Ten-Year Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal and the Democratic Republic of Congo Medal, awarded in recognition of his contribution to peace and security in the DRC.
“His distinguished service to Zimbabwe was further recognised through the conferment of the Order of the Commander of Zimbabwe Merit Award, in recognition of his servant leadership and contribution to the nation. These achievements stand as a lasting testament to a life dedicated to duty, service, peace and the people of Zimbabwe,” Acting President Mohadi said.
He also reiterated the need for the country to preserve national and local liberation heritage sites, saying provincial and district heroes’ acres were important repositories of Zimbabwe’s history.
He said Government was strengthening efforts to rehabilitate and standardise such sites, while ensuring that the stories of liberation heroes and heroines were preserved.
“While the National Heroes Acre remains our foremost national shrine and symbol of our collective liberation history, Government equally places significant importance on provincial, district and community shrines.
“These sites are repositories of our local history and preserve the memory of many brave men and women whose sacrifices inspired their communities and contributed immensely to the attainment of our independence.
“As Government, we remain committed to preserving our liberation heritage in all its dimensions because our history is our identity,” he said.
The late national hero, whose Chimurenga name was Jekanyika Gwengwe, was born in Makoni District in Manicaland Province and joined the liberation struggle as a young man as nationalist politics gained momentum across the country.
He died on 11 August 2026 at Chitungwiza General Hospital at the age of 67 and is survived by his wife and four children.
New Ziana
