Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday hailed the late former Vice President Joseph Wilfred Msika as a selfless patriot whose lifelong commitment to Zimbabwe’s liberation, nation-building and unity continues to inspire generations.
In a commemorative message, marking the day of his passing on, President Mnangagwa said the nation joins the Msika family in remembering one of the country’s most distinguished liberation heroes, who died on August 4, 2009, after dedicating his life to the service of Zimbabwe.
This year marks the 17th anniversary of VP Msika’s passing
President Mnangagwa described the late Vice President as a towering nationalist whose contribution to the liberation struggle and post-independence development left an indelible mark on the country’s history.
“He committed himself to the total liberation of his Motherland through nationalist politics and the protracted armed struggle that saw him suffering long spells of incarceration, including at Gonakudzingwa, to dislodge an unjust colonial settler system,” he said.
He noted that after Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, VP Msika remained steadfast in serving the nation, playing an instrumental role in advancing socio-economic transformation under the Land Reform Programme in favour of the country’s black majority.
President Mnangagwa said the anniversary, which coincides with Heroes Day commemorations and the Defence Forces Day, presents Zimbabweans with an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by the country’s liberation heroes.
“It is only befitting that Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora take time to reflect on the life of struggle, sacrifice and service which the late Vice President Joseph Msika personified. Alongside his peers and luminaries of our National Struggle, the late Vice President and his generation bequeathed freedom and statehood to us as a people, itself the priceless gift a generation can ever pass on,” he said.
He urged Zimbabweans to honour VP Msika’s memory by embracing the values he championed throughout his life, including national unity, love and tolerance.
“As the National Development Strategy enters its final stretch, with our Nation resolutely marching towards the attainment of Vision 2030, we continue to uphold the noble values of sacrifice, patriotism, freedom, unity, love and tolerance which Cde Msika espoused,” President Mnangagwa said.
He said these enduring principles remain critical as Zimbabwe pursues sustainable development and inclusive national progress.
VP Msika was one of Zimbabwe’s veteran nationalist leaders who played a pivotal role in the country’s liberation struggle before serving in several senior Government positions after independence, including as Vice President. Widely respected for his humility, commitment to reconciliation and dedication to national unity, he remained an influential figure in Zimbabwean politics until he died in 2009.
New Ziana
