By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe government has put in place comprehensive measures to facilitate the seamless, safe, orderly and dignified reintegration into society of its citizens returning from South Africa, where they are fleeing from xenophobic violence and threats.
He said this while addressing mourners gathered at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Monday for the burial of decorated liberation war fighter and distinguished military officer Major-General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema.
The late Maj-Gen (Rtd) Dzihwema, whose Chimurenga name was Comrade Kid MaWrong Wrong, died at the age of 63 in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
“In line with the character trait, we are known as a warm and hospitable people, it is pleasing that community members along the transit route, including in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces continue to demonstrate acts of kindness towards those going back to their countries of origin.
“Going forward, all our communities, including traditional leaders, churches and families, are challenged to play their part towards the successful re-integration arrangements, as outlined in various circulars from the Zanu PF party and Government,” he said.
President Mnangagwa appealed to the private sector and well-wishers to support Government efforts aimed at accelerating the repatriation of more Zimbabweans back home through partnerships and donations.
He urged Zimbabweans to uphold the values of unity, peace, hard work and patriotism that the liberation heroes championed, saying these ideals are essential for building a prosperous and modern country.
“These values must be deliberately instilled to our children and the youth. The DNA and national character of our great nation, should be preserved, protected and nurtured, right from the family level. Let us not neglect this duty. Under the Second Republic, we are leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to honour the legacy of the late Maj-Gen (Rtd) Dzihwema by remaining focused on delivering transformative development that improves the quality of life of all citizens.
“I urge the nation, in particular the young generation, to take a leaf from the exemplary life of the late national hero who distinguished himself through unparalleled discipline, sacrifice, hard-work and a fierce commitment to the ethos of the liberation struggle. His rise through the ranks in the Defence Forces and Civil Service was due to his profound commitment to duty and unwavering love for this nation.
“He possessed rare and strong leadership qualities that were underpinned by humility and a compassionate heart that earned him respect from all those that worked with him,” he said.
He said the economic reforms being implemented across various sectors were beginning to produce positive results and called on Zimbabweans to safeguard the country’s resources and growing prosperity for the benefit of future generations.
President Mnangagwa added that the wealth generated from land, the mines, social services, tourism infrastructure development as well as other entrepreneurial endeavours, should benefit generations to come.
Following his retirement from active military service in December 2017, the late national hero joined the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment as Principal Director before later transferring to the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, where he served as Chief Director until his death.
During his distinguished career, the late Maj-Gen (Rtd) Dzihwema received several honours, including the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Ten-Year Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, Democratic Republic of Congo Medal and the Grand Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit.
“In every posting, he devoted his energy, professional expertise, leadership acumen and ultimately his whole life, for the realisation of set national priorities and the attainment of a higher quality of life, for those he was assigned to serve,” President Mnangagwa said.
The late Maj-Gen (Rtd) Dzihwema is survived by his wife, Alice, and three sons.
New Ziana
