“Go well, General Officer, Commander and Patriot” — President Mnangagwa

By Itai Mazire

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made a clarion call to the nation to take heed and follow in the footsteps of courage, bravery, and patriotism shown by the late decorated military officer, Brigadier General (Rtd) Mpandasekwa Mzheri.

Brig Gen Mzheri, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Khetani Khanye, passed away in Harare at the age of 75.

Addressing thousands of mourners gathered at the National Heroes Acre, President Mnangagwa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Mzheri family on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe, the Government, and ZANU PF.

“I challenge the nation to be inspired by the life of our National Hero, which is a testament to courage, bravery, focus, discipline on the battlefield, hard work, professional probity, as well as steadfast service to one’s country.

Fellow mourners, ladies and gentlemen, the late National Hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Mpandasekwa Mzheri, will always be remembered as one of the most decorated military officers produced by our country.

I say to you, Cde Khetani Khanye your professional conduct, whose qualities were based on honesty, integrity, humility, loyalty, enthusiasm, and leadership  must inspire many to carry our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, forward.”

The President added that the nation continues to benefit from the wisdom, expertise, and professionalism of men and women in the mould of the late National Hero and other veterans of the liberation struggle.

“In honour of our national heroes and heroines, the security sector and the Defence Forces in particular  are called upon to draw inspiration from the cadres, commanders, and officers of yesteryear as we advance our national interests and protect our independence and sovereignty.

On its part, the ZANU PF-led Government remains unwavering in its quest to consolidate national unity, harmony, and the virtues of servant leadership as well as hard, honest work.

Our enduring philosophy, Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo! (Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo) is a continuous call to action,” said President Mnangagwa.

Brigadier General (Rtd) Mzheri was born on 7 March 1950 in Mberengwa District. He began his education at Rengwe Lower Primary School in 1959, then proceeded to Mnene Primary School in 1964, before enrolling at Manama Secondary School in 1967.

After completing his secondary education in 1970, he attended Esigodini Agricultural College. He later trained and worked at Sable Chemical Industries Limited as a Plant Operator between 1972 and 1974.

Despite his academic qualifications and technical skills, the youthful Mzheri left Rhodesia in 1974 for Zambia, where he joined the Liberation Struggle under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA).

He received his initial military training at Mwembeshi Military Camp before proceeding to Mgagao Camp in Tanzania and later Morogoro Training Camp in 1975 for advanced military training.

President Mnangagwa noted that Mzheri’s leadership potential saw him selected for officer training in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

“Upon his return in 1977, he was appointed Deputy Commander at Freedom Camp. In 1978, he became an Administrator in the ZAPU Presidency under the leadership of Father Zimbabwe, the late Vice President Dr. Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.

In recognition of his understanding of the role and significance of the military in statecraft, he participated in the Lancaster House Peace Talks as a Military Advisor in 1979.

The late General Officer later became a member of the ZIPRA High Command in the Training Department,” said President Mnangagwa.

At independence in 1980, Mzheri was among the first 18 ex-combatants to be integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).

“On 16 April 1981, he was attested at the rank of Colonel, after which he was promoted to Brigadier General in 1987.

The late National Hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Mpandasekwa Mzheri, attended all requisite career courses within the Defence Forces, which complemented his leadership skills and resulted in his appointment as the first Commandant at Inkono Garrison.

Later, he was entrusted with the command of Harare District and subsequently the 1 Infantry Brigade, as well as the Special Taskforce for Mozambique. He also served as Director General of Administration and Finance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During his illustrious career, he played an important role as Brigadier General, serving with loyalty and unwavering patriotism toward our beloved country, Zimbabwe,” said the President.