Time to celebrate work of Zimbabwean heroes and heroines

by Conilious Toga.

2013 January 07 09:03:01 | 1992 Views

The Webster Dictionary defines A hero as a man of distinguished courage, strength or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds.

On Monday the 13th of August, Zimbabweans will gather at different venues to commemorate the lives of Zimbabwe's most celebrated heroes. When we talk of Zimbabwe's fallen heroes, we rush to think of Herbet Chitepo, Josiah Tongogara, 'Rex' Mujuru, Father Zimbabwe Joshua Nkomo and heroines Sally Mugabe, Mbuya Nehanda and Ruth Chinamano and others who fought for this country's liberation from colonial bondage.

There are other unheralded heroes who provided assistance and worked in liason with the liberation cadres. Some were tortured to death, some detained just to see Zimbabwe a free and sovereign nation. Thousands of Zimbabwean cadres were killed at Chimio and Nyadzonya in their quest to see a free Zimbabwe.

We pay respect to their unquestioned tireless work to see a free Zimbabwe. After the Independence of Zimbabwe in 1980 the government led by the then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe constructed a shrine where Zimbabwe's celebrated gallant sons and daughters were going to be buried.

The million dollar question is what criteria was going to be used to choose the people to be buried at the national shrine?Does that mean only those who fought in the liberation war were Zimbabwe's heroes?

Zimbabwe's much celebrated heroes still can not be buried at the heroes acre if they don't have liberation credentials. According to the definition above a hero is not defined with liberation credentials but he is a legend of great strength and courage.

Nelson Mandela does not have war credentials but spent 25 years in prison and when he came out he advocated for peace and unity in the post apartheid South Africa, but he is a celebrated hero known all over the world.

Jairos Jiri, the founder of the Jairos Jiri Association which takes care of disabled children and orphans was not accorded hero status despite acknowledgable abilities and legacy he left for all to see.

Ndabaningi Sithole, the founding President of the revolutionary movement was buried at a farm in the Manicaland Province despite being the pioneer of the liberation struggle.

Founding Vice President of MDC, Mr Sibanda was denied the hero status because he was regarded a sell out who worked for Bush and Blair despite the fact that he fought for the rights of blacks in the then Rhodesia and workers rights after Independence.

The Late Sen Kombayi could not be given hero status despite his work for the upliftment of all Zimbabweans in the Midlands Province during and after the war.

There are many undecorated heroes who were killed or tortured as they were fighting for the rights of all Zimbabwean at large.

All over Zimbabwe, they are heroes scattered in all provinces, whether buried at the Zanu PF Shrines or not, let's join hands and commemorate their brave and courageous work to see a free and better Zimbabwe.

Remember one day those uncelebrated heroes will find a podium where there names will be written and statues respected and celebrated by all!

Heroes are not those dead only but even those living!

Those Living include Jestina Mukoko and Jeni Williams for fighting for women's rights. Kirsty Coventry for raising our flag high all the time she is given a chance to compete.

Oliver Mtukudzi and Thomas Mapfumo for providing us with always remembered the melodious tunes.

Knowledge Musona and the Ndlovu brothers you are our heroes!,

And lastly our own Nelson Mandela, PM Tsvangirai, our liberator President Mugabe and the majestic Prof Mutambara for accepting to work together for the good and prosperity of the nation.

Each and every Zimbabwean is a hero, despite race or tribes from Sandra Ndebele to Alick Macheso, from Andy Flower to Bruce Groblear, Joice Mujuru to Thokozani Khupe, Eliot Mujaji to Kirsty Coventry, Opa Muchinguri to Lucia Matibenga, Brandon Dawson to Roselyn Mugadza, from Kasukuwere (no questions he is my Minister of Youth to Nelson Chamisa (David Coltart to Roy Bennet??) you are all heroes in your different capacities, ViVa Zimbabwe!

Its the day to Celebrate Our Heroes, ViVa!

Heroes

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Source: Conilious Toga.