Zimbabwe’s destiny hinges on steadfast cadres — President

Zvamaida Murwira

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday called on Zimbabweans to emulate the steadfastness of pioneering nationalists, asserting that the nation’s progress towards its development goals hinges on the emergence of upright, dependable cadres.

The President made these remarks at the National Heroes Acre during the burial of veteran politician Cde Luke Mushore, who passed away on June 13 at the age of 76.

“The late national hero, Comrade Mushore, ‘Dick Joboringo’, vaiva bango rakasimba rataivimba naro mumusangano wedu we Zanu-PF. Vaisava zinyeke-nyeke (He was a dependable pillar in our party, Zanu-PF). At this development stage of our nation, we do not need people who are indecisive or unreliable,” President Mnangagwa said.

The President described Cde Mushore as a trusted and dependable cadre, who remained unwavering in his commitment to the founding ethos and principles of the revolution throughout his life and political career. He consistently provided honest and principled guidance and leadership.

“I call upon party members across all provinces to seek the counsel and advice of pioneering nationalists and veterans of the calibre of our departed national hero. Our party has a long-standing history. It must remain strong even as we pass it on to future generations.

“I further urge all Zimbabweans, especially our young people, to learn from the values of true patriotism, humility, selflessness, and discipline exemplified by our late national hero.”

He described Cde Mushore’s passing as a significant loss to the nation, his family, and the community of Liberation War Veterans.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, our revolutionary party Zanu-PF, my family, and indeed on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to the Mushore family for this sorrowful loss. We remain inspired by the distinguished role our late hero played in liberating our country from colonial rule.

“Comrade Mushore was a dependable cadre and pillar, who diligently supported the work of both our party and Government with honour and sacrifice. He served as Zanu-PF Chairman for Mashonaland Central Province and was a servant of the people, unwavering in his loyalty to our country. The patriotism, consistency and perseverance he demonstrated in service to our revolutionary party and in various national roles are worthy of emulation by future generations,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa recounted Cde Mushore’s life journey from his early years to his passing.

Born on June 15, 1949 in Mushore Village under Chief Madziva in Mashonaland Central Province, Cde Mushore joined the liberation struggle in 1970, during a pivotal period when Zanu was redefining its war strategy.

His political activism began at Bernard Mzeki College in Marondera, where he was expelled in 1966 for protesting against racist and discriminatory colonial policies. He later worked briefly in Chiweshe, where he and other youths were mobilised by the firebrand Chief Chiweshe, to carry out acts of sabotage on tobacco farms owned by white Rhodesian farmers.

Due to surveillance, arrests and pursuit by colonial authorities, Cde Mushore fled to the Muzarabani area. There, he joined a unit of early guerrilla fighters led by national heroes General Solomon Mujuru and Cde Michael Chakabva (Cde Vhuu). He later proceeded to Chifombo in Zambia and underwent military training at Mgagao in Tanzania.

After training, Cde Mushore was among the early Zanla fighters, who fought alongside Frelimo guerrillas to open routes into Zimbabwe.

His group, commanded by Cde Vhuu and Cde Badza, laid the groundwork for the protracted liberation war.

He was part of the fearless fighters, who engaged the Rhodesian Army at PaMauswa in December 1972. As Section Commander, he led numerous battles, including the notable Chahwanda Battle, where a section of the Rhodesian Grey Scouts was defeated.

Later, under Cde Joboringo’s command, the group captured and transferred Gerald Hawksworth, a land development officer, to Mozambique.

President Mnangagwa described this as: “A sensational wartime development that became an international headline. This act projected Zanla as a compassionate and disciplined liberation army, adhering to the Geneva Convention. Hawksworth, a colonial establishment figure, was released unharmed and in good health just before the 1980 general elections that ushered in our Independence.”

During the war, Cde Joboringo rose to the rank of Detachment Commander and became one of Zanla’s prominent field commanders, opening new fronts from Mutoko to Mutare.

After Independence, Cde Mushore briefly joined the police but resigned due to family commitments. He remained active in Zanu-PF, rising through the ranks to become a District Co-ordinating Committee member and later Provincial Chairman for Mashonaland Central. He also served as Member of Parliament for both Muzarabani South and North constituencies.

During the Land Reform Programme, Cde Joboringo was part of the National Steering Committee of War Veterans, playing a key role in co-ordinating operations.

“Today, we proudly honour him and others of his generation as we continue to increase yields and productivity across all agricultural sub-sectors. We shall treasure and fully utilise our God-given land and natural resources for the benefit of all Zimbabweans,” said President Mnangagwa.

The burial ceremony was attended by Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Zanu-PF Politburo members, Cabinet ministers, legislators, civic leaders, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe and representatives of Zanu-PF structures, among others.

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