By Zachary Gava
Harare , (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday paid tribute to the late national heroes, Major General (Rtd) Richard Ruwodo and Professor Emeritus Herbert Chinyanga for their patriotism, professionalism and selfless dedication, saying they were exemplary patriots whose contributions strengthened both the country’s liberation legacy and post-independence development.
Addressing mourners during the burial of Major General (Rtd) Ruwodo and the commemoration of Professor Chinyanga at the National Heroes Acre, President Mnangagwa said the lives of the two distinguished Zimbabweans offer enduring lessons for nation-building and the journey towards attaining the vision to become an upper middle income society by 2030.
He said while Zimbabwe continues to lose members of the generation that fought for the country’s freedom, the nation should remain committed to safeguarding the values of independence, sovereignty and national unity that they sacrificed for.
“He was a gallant Son of the Soil who devoted his life to wholeheartedly serve our motherland, Zimbabwe, with unwavering patriotism, immense honour and professionalism,” he said of Major General Ruwodo, adding that the country should defend and promote the ideals bequeathed by its liberation heroes.
President Mnangagwa paid tribute to Major General Ruwodo’s distinguished military career, noting that after joining the liberation struggle in 1975, he played a pivotal role in building a professional Zimbabwe National Army following independence.
He said the decorated officer contributed significantly to the integration of the country’s armed forces while promoting accountability, transparency and sound corporate governance within the military.
President Mnangagwa also honoured Prof Chinyanga, describing him as a pioneering medical specialist whose lifelong dedication transformed anaesthesia training and strengthened Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.
He said despite achieving international recognition abroad, Prof Chinyanga chose to return home after independence, believing that the knowledge and expertise he had acquired should primarily benefit Zimbabwe.
Professor Chinyanga established the country’s first post-graduate programs in anaesthetics in 1986, helping to build local specialist capacity, improving patient care and laying the foundation for safer surgical procedures and stronger intensive care services.
President Mnangagwa also acknowledged the instrumental role that the late Prof Chinyanga played in developing medical education at the University of Zimbabwe, the National University of Science and Technology and the Midlands State University.
He said the lives of the two national heroes should inspire Zimbabweans across all professions to pursue excellence and place national interests above personal gain.
“I call upon all Zimbabweans across all fields of specialisations, in both the private and public sectors, to emulate their exemplary service,” he said.
President Mnangagwa challenged intellectuals, professionals and innovators to convert knowledge into practical solutions that improve the people’s lives, saying Zimbabwe’s knowledge-driven development agenda requires locally generated solutions to accelerate industrialisation and economic transformation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his government to implement people-centred programs aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty, expressing confidence that through collective effort Zimbabwe would realise Vision 2030.
“As a nation, let us all play our part to keep the flames of independence, freedom, sovereignty, development and prosperity burning brighter and brighter,” he said.
New Ziana
