By Shadreck Gurenje
ZANU PF First Secretary and President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the nation must remain united and vigilant against those who wish harm over Zimbabwe.
Addressing mourners at the burial of National Heroes ,the late Brigadier General (RTD) Victor Rungani and the late Cde Walter Basopo, President Mnangagwa said much more work must be done and the mantra leaving no one and no place behind can only be achieved through unity.
“Today, we stand proud that we are enjoying our Independence, and experiencing sustained economic growth, with Vision 2030 is in sight and achievable ahead of time. However, much more work must be done.
“We can only maintain this steady progress and prosperity that leaves no one and no place behind, if we remain united, focused and 13 vigilant against those who wish harm over our motherland, Zimbabwe.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-kelwe, ngabanikazi balo. This national development philosophy must remain our key motivation, now and for generations to come,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Head of State and Government also took the opportunity to urge the youths to take a leaf from the departed national heroes in pushing forward and work harder to realize the sustainable economic prosperity of the nation.
“The youth in particular must push forward, and work harder to realize the sustainable economic prosperity our nation must achieve. The youth of yester-year achieved their dream of a free and Independent Zimbabwe.
“Young people from all over our country, the ball is now in your court. You all have a duty to realize development that uplifts our communities. My Government will continue availing you with the requisite empowerment support for sustainable projects.
“To the late retired Brigadier General Victor Rungani and retired Director Walter Basopo, our decorated senior officers, you will be remembered for your immense contribution to the Liberation Struggle as well as the post independent period. You wholeheartedly served our country with unflinching loyalty, patriotism, consistency and persistency. You will be dearly missed,” President Mnangagwa.
The late National Hero, Cde Victor Rungani was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army in 1980 as a Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer 4.2 Infantry Battalion in Gutu.Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Rungani also served as the Commanding Officer Mechanized Regiment from 1982; Technical Staff Officer Grade One Electrical Mechanical Engineering Services Corps between 1984 and 1987, 10 Colonel General Staff, until 1991 and Director Electrical Mechanical Engineering between 1991 and 1994.
Cde Basopo joined the President’s Department in November 1980, under the Internal Branch, at the rank of Trainee Intelligence Officer. After completing his initial training at the now Robert Gabriel Mugabe School of Intelligence, the late Cde Basopo served at the Gweru, Chinhoyi, Guruve and Harare offices.