Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. WAR veterans are the last man standing in defence against the “ongoing onslaught of our revolution and our masses”, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) secretary-general Sam Parerenyatwa said.
He was speaking during the burial of the late ex-combatant Charles Chiboiwa, who was known as Patrick Damba during the liberation struggle, in Mt Darwin last week.
Some leaders in the ZNLWVA have been dragged into factional fights currently dogging the ruling Zanu PF party, including current efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office beyond the constitutionally-mandated two terms that end in 2028.
The ruling party has passed a resolution to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 although the President has indicated that he will step down when his term ends.
“We all know that the war of liberation was not a walk in the park. We toiled, we went through hell, we lost limbs and lives of our beloved compatriots, but through sacrifice, resilience and endurance, we soldiered on and succeeded,” Parerenyatwa said.
“We should always cherish that awesome experience. Remember, we made an oath with our late comrades as we buried them in the bushes that we shall proceed with the struggle until total emancipation of our motherland or until our last breath.
“Remember you are the last man standing, lest you forget. Do not surrender, do not despair, do not betray the revolution. Let’s fight on, let’s remain resolute. Our nation, our masses, continue to look upon us for solutions to come out of the current socio-political trap.”
Parerenyatwa said the veterans should be bold in giving constructive, positive criticism to leaders in both Zanu PF and governance structures.
“We need to continue being the light at the end of the tunnel as propounded in our constitution,” he said.
“I know your spirit has been dampened by the ongoing neglect, sidelining and scolding by the mafikizolos/zvigananda taking over the reins in our revolutionary party.
“I know you have been heartbroken as you fail to exhume, repatriate and give decent reburial as promised to those we left in shallow graves in the battlefields of our revolution.”
The war veteran leaders said former freedom fighters should not despair because it was a passing phase.
“We went through worse situations during the war. The revolutionary spirits of our nation are by our side. Remember not to betray those we left in the bushes. Their spirits are watching and considering yourselves as the last man standing,” he said.
“Do your part to fulfil the oath you undertook with departed heroes and heroines of our revolution. Cde Charles did his part and fulfilled his part of our oath.
“It’s our turn to continue defending our revolution even under such extremely difficult conditions. Cde Charles is gone. A void has been created in our fight to protect our revolution.”
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