Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabweans should emulate the patriotism of both living and departed national heroes and their dedication to the development of the country, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
He was speaking at the burial of the late Luke Mushore at the National Heroes Acre on Monday. Thousands of people, including senior government officials, war veterans and members of the diplomatic corps attended the burial of the former Muzarabani South legislator, who died on the 13th of this month at the age of 76 after a long illness.
“We remain inspired by the distinguished role played by our late departed hero in liberating our country from colonial bondage. The late Cde Mushore was a dependable cadre and pillar who diligently aided both the work of our party and the Government with distinguished honour and sacrifice,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The patriotism, consistency and persistency, which our national hero demonstrated during his service to our revolutionary mass party, Zanu PF, and in other various national capacities, is worthy of emulation by generations to come. His demise is a huge blow to our country, his family and the fraternity of liberation war veterans.
“He was a trusted and dependable cadre. Throughout his life and political journey, he never wavered from the founding ethos and principles of our revolution, always providing honest and principled guidance and leadership,” headed.
At the height of the land reform programme at the turn of the millennium, the late Mushore was part of the National Steering Committee of war veterans who successfully coordinated operations.
President Mnangagwa said the exploits of Mushore and others of his generation were being honoured, as Zimbabwe continues to increase yields, production and productivity across all sub-sectors of agriculture.
“We shall treasure and fully utilise our God-given land and natural resources for the good of all the people of our beloved motherland. Let us, therefore, never forget that it is through the selfless and consistent sacrifices as well as dedication by the late Cde Mushore, including many other departed and living cadres, that our country is an independent, sovereign and united country. “In their honour, let us always advance our national interests and defend our country from all enemies. We must bear in mind that it is us, who have the primary responsibility to develop Zimbabwe, brick by brick, stone by stone,” he said.
He urged young people and the youth to take lessons from the good traits of true patriotism, humility, selflessness and discipline that were exhibited by Mushore.
The late national hero, whose nom de guerre was Dick Joboringo, was born on 15 June 1949 in Mushore village under Chief Madziva and joined the liberation struggle in 1970 at a defining time when ZANU was re-shaping its war strategy.
His political activism started at Benard Mizeki College in Marondera, where he was expelled as a student in 1966 after protests against racist and discriminatory colonial policies.
He briefly worked in Chiweshe, alongside other youths, where they were mobilised by Chief Chiweshe to carry out revolutionary acts of sabotage on tobacco farms belonging to racist Rhodesian farmers.
Mushore later joined the war front after training at Mgagao in Tanzania, and during the war, he rose through the ranks to become one of ZANLA’s prominent field commanders.
He also became a member of the General Staff, a role he played while still operating on the frontlines and remained active in his area of deployment until 1980.
When Zimbabwe gained independence, he briefly joined the police force before resigning due to family commitments.
Thereafter, he became a Member of Parliament for both Muzarabani South and Muzarabani North and in the August House, he sat on several committees, including that in charge of the security cluster. Mushore is survived by his wife Chipo, 21 children and 61 grandchildren.
New Ziana
