Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has described the late national hero, Victor Panganayi Kuretu as a unifier who had the interests of the ruling ZANU PF party and the nation at heart.
Speaking at Kuretu’s burial at the National Heroes Acre on Thursday, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was indebted to the late hero for the contributions that he made during the country’s liberation, and post-independence development.
At the time of his death, the veteran nationalist and community leader was the national chairperson of the Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association (ZEPPDRA). President Mnangagwa said: “A few days after commemorating our heroes of the liberation struggle, we gather today to bid farewell to a loyal and patriotic son of the soil, who gallantly fought for the Independence and freedom of our nation.
The late Kuretu remained resolute in support of the revolutionary ideals and principles of our liberation movement. As we pay tribute to Kuretu’s life and legacy, I call upon all Zimbabweans to take a leaf and be inspired by a life well-lived in service to building our motherland, Zimbabwe.
“He never wavered and remained persistent and patriotic throughout the socio-economic and political periods of our nation. Our late national hero was an unassuming leader who shared his knowledge and views with candid honesty. He toed the correct line of the revolution. He was a unifier in the manner he ran ZEPPDRA and sought to do what was in the interests of the party.”
President Mnangagwa said the nation had lost a loyal, committed and hardworking cadre who served the country consistently during the liberation struggle as well as after Independence in various capacities.
He challenged Zimbabweans to emulate the late national hero by remaining united and working hard towards economic growth. “I call upon Ministries, departments, and agencies to sharpen communication and stakeholder engagement towards speedy results, sector by sector. No matter the challenges we may face, our resilient spirit, which we are known for as a people, must never fade. Let us remain innovative and hardworking to build a brighter future for all Zimbabweans. “
Our national heroes, including Kuretu, whom we are laying to rest today, fought and liberated the country. We honour them and do our part as demanded by our times. The independence, sovereignty, and freedom of our motherland, Zimbabwe, should never be tampered with and must be safeguarded for generations to come.
As we march on, towards Vision 2030, let us always remember that patriotism is critically important for continued success, growth, and prosperity,” he said. Born on March 3, 1942, Kuretu passed away after a short illness on August 7, 2025 at St Anne’s Hospital in the capital at the age of 83.
A teacher by profession, he was among teachers who played a key role in nurturing a politically-conscious society that would later challenge and confront the oppressive colonial system, and this saw him being targeted by the settler regime.
As a result of his activism, he was arrested and detained several times, but that did not deter him as he continued to support and work for the struggle for independence. At the time of his passing, he was also a member of Zanu PF’s National Consultative Assembly (NCA). He is survived by his wife Ritah, nine children and 34 grandchildren.
New Ziana
