ACTING President Col. (Rtd) Dr K.C.D. Mohadi has reaffirmed the Second Republic’s unwavering commitment to honouring Zimbabwe’s liberation heroes and preserving the country’s hard-won independence for future generations.
Speaking at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Monday during the burial of National Hero Brigadier-General (Rtd) Albert Nyamuronda, whose liberation war nom de guerre was Cde Jekanyika Gwengwe, Mohadi said the sacrifices made by the country’s freedom fighters would never be forgotten.
He said the burial came at a significant moment, shortly after Zimbabwe commemorated its 46th Heroes Day under the theme “Lest We Forget.”
“Today’s hero’s burial comes at a time when we are commemorating our 46th Heroes Day celebrations under the theme, ‘Lest We Forget’,” Mohadi said.
“This is a solemn reminder that a nation which forgets its history risks losing its identity, values, and hard-won freedoms.”
The Acting President said the Government, under the leadership of President Dr Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, remained committed to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s liberation heritage and ensuring that the contribution of every hero and heroine is appropriately recognised.
No Hero Will Be Forgotten — Mohadi
Mohadi said Government’s commitment extends beyond Zimbabwe’s borders to countries that stood with the country’s liberation movements and provided sanctuary during the struggle for independence.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring that no hero or heroine is forgotten, whether they rest here at home or in neighbouring countries that provided sanctuary during our liberation struggle,” he said.
“Sites in Angola, such as Boma, will be attended to.”
The commitment underscores Government’s drive to preserve sites connected to the liberation struggle and ensure that the sacrifices made for Zimbabwe’s sovereignty are documented and remembered across generations.
It also recognises the historic solidarity extended to Zimbabwe’s liberation fighters by countries across the region during the struggle against colonial rule.
President Mnangagwa Honours Nyamuronda’s Sacrifice
Following Nyamuronda’s death, the ZANU PF Politburo, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, unanimously accorded him National Hero status in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the liberation struggle, national unification and the development of post-independence Zimbabwe.
At the National Heroes Acre, Mohadi handed the National Flag to Nyamuronda’s widow, Millet Mirriam Nyamuronda, as the nation paid its final respects to the decorated liberation fighter and retired senior military officer.
Nyamuronda is survived by his wife and four children — Tichaona, Ottilia, Nyasha and Tendai.
From the Classroom to the Liberation Struggle
Born on January 15, 1957, in Nyamuronda Village, Chikore Communal Area in Makoni District, Manicaland Province, Nyamuronda was the son of Jeke Nyamuronda and Cecilia Nyamuronda, née Guri.
He began his primary education at Chikore Primary School in 1966 and later attended Nyamuronda Primary School from 1967 to 1974 before proceeding to St Mary’s Magdalene for secondary education in 1975.
As the liberation struggle intensified and nationalist consciousness spread among young Zimbabweans, Nyamuronda crossed into Mozambique to join the fight for independence.
He underwent guerrilla warfare training at Tembwe, where he demonstrated military aptitude that resulted in commanders selecting him for specialised Signals communication training at Nachingwea, Tanzania, in 1978.
There, he trained alongside Major-General T.E. Moyo and Brigadier-General (Rtd) Livingstone Chineka as part of the group famously known as “Sasa Tunamarisa.”
The group was prepared for deployment to conduct operations in urban areas, but its mission was halted following the implementation of the ceasefire.
After the ceasefire, Nyamuronda proceeded to Dzapasi Assembly Point, before being attested into the Zimbabwe National Army following independence.
Distinguished Service to Independent Zimbabwe
In 1980, Nyamuronda joined the Signals Department, beginning an illustrious military career spanning several decades.
He undertook various military and professional courses and held key appointments as he rose through the ranks of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Nyamuronda became a Lieutenant in 1981, Captain in 1984, Major in 1989, Lieutenant-Colonel in 2012, Colonel in 2018 and Brigadier-General in 2022.
His journey from a young liberation fighter who crossed into Mozambique to a Brigadier-General in independent Zimbabwe reflected decades of service to the country before and after independence.
‘Lest We Forget’
Mohadi said remembering such sacrifices remains essential to protecting the country’s national identity and ensuring younger generations appreciate the price paid for Zimbabwe’s sovereignty.
The burial also reinforced the Government’s broader commitment to preserving liberation heritage and recognising those who sacrificed for independence, including heroes whose remains and historical sites are located outside Zimbabwe.
Under President Mnangagwa’s administration, Government has maintained that the country’s liberation history must be preserved and transmitted to future generations as part of safeguarding Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, unity and national identity.
For Mohadi, the message from the National Heroes Acre was unequivocal: Zimbabwe will continue to honour its heroes, preserve their legacy and defend the hard-won freedoms for which they sacrificed — Lest We Forget.
