As Zimbabwe prepares to commemorate Heroes Day next week, O Zapu has called on the nation to use the occasion to reflect on whether the country is living up to the ideals that inspired the liberation struggle.
Speaking ahead of the commemorations, O Zapu president Matthew Sibanda said Heroes Day should be a time for honest reflection rather than ceremonial remembrance alone.
"Heroes Day is not only about laying wreaths and making speeches. It is about asking ourselves whether Zimbabwe today reflects the vision of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” said Sibanda in an interview.
Sibanda said the liberation struggle was fought to establish a democratic, prosperous and united nation where every citizen would enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
He said many Zimbabweans continue to face economic hardship while corruption remains a major obstacle to national development.
"Corruption has become one of the greatest betrayals of the liberation struggle. Every dollar lost to corruption is a betrayal of the sacrifices made by our heroes,” he said.
The O Zapu leader also expressed concern over what he described as a shrinking democratic space, saying Zimbabwe's future must continue to be guided by constitutional principles and respect for citizens' rights.
"The Constitution must remain the supreme guide of our nation. Our heroes fought for the people's right to choose their leaders and to live in freedom under the rule of law."
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Sibanda said constitutional governance should always take precedence over political expediency.
"Leadership comes and goes but the Constitution must endure. The strength of our democracy lies in respecting constitutional processes, not changing them for political convenience."
Turning to Matabeleland, Sibanda said the region made immense sacrifices during the liberation struggle and deserved equal recognition and development.
"The contribution of Matabeleland to Zimbabwe's liberation cannot be separated from our national history. Honouring our heroes also means addressing the concerns of communities that continue to seek development, inclusion and justice."
He urged Zimbabweans to use Heroes Day as an opportunity to renew their commitment to unity, accountability and national rebuilding.
"The greatest monument we can build for our heroes is a Zimbabwe where every citizen has dignity, opportunity and an equal place in the nation. That is the Zimbabwe they fought for, and that is the Zimbabwe we must continue to build."
O Zapu said the country's liberation heroes would be best honoured through good governance, transparency, respect for constitutionalism and policies that improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.
