Harare (New Ziana)-Zimbabwe remains indebted to its living and departed heroes who fought for the country’s independence, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Saturday.

Addressing mourners at the burial of national hero, Wereki Sandiyani, President Mnangagwa said his government will honour the gallant sons and daughters of the soil.

“Let us never forget that our veterans of the liberation struggle, both living and departed, as well as unarmed innocent civilians suffered, sacrificed and shed blood so that we become the nation that we are today.

“There are many like him in our midst, heroes who quietly live in modest anonymity, with bullets and fragments still lodged in their bodies.

” My Government, under the second Republic shall never forget them, but will always grant them respect, honour and recognition they truly deserve and are worthy of. Their deaths, injuries wounds and torture marks remind us that our independence is hard-won and precious,” he said.

He added: “Let us defend and guard it jealously.”

President Mnangagwa said the late Cde Sandiyani would be remembered for not only pioneering the second phase of the liberation struggle, but also as a rare crop of fighters.

“Only a handful of his peers still survive to this day. It is important therefore, that we document their experiences for posterity to inform and motivate future generations. These freedom fighters faced and dodged many life threatening situations for us all to enjoy the democracy we have today, “he said.

He said the citizenry should always guard Zimbabwe’s independence.

” As a nation that has self belief and a rich heritage of bravery and fortitude, through hard work and determination, we will prosper and realise sustainable development for the people of our great country,” said President Mnangagwa.

New Ziana