By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE— President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday hailed the late National Hero, Major General (Rtd) Everisto Dzihwema, as a patriot whose life of sacrifice, discipline and dedicated service to Zimbabwe should inspire present and future generations.
Speaking at Dzihwema’s burial at the National Heroes’ Acre, Mnangagwa described the retired military officer and liberation war veteran as a distinguished cadre who served the country with unwavering patriotism, professionalism and exemplary leadership in both the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Civil Service.
Mnangagwa extended his condolences to the bereaved Dzihwema family, saying the nation mourned alongside them following the former major general’s death on June 25 at the age of 63.
“We acknowledge and honour the footprints he leaves behind of consistent and persistent wholehearted service, hence his interment here at this sacred national shrine,” he said.
Mnangagwa said Dzihwema’s life reflected the sacrifices made by thousands of young Zimbabweans who joined the liberation struggle to secure the country’s independence from colonial rule.
Born on January 1, 1962, in Makoni District, Manicaland Province, Dzihwema experienced first-hand the effects of colonial land dispossession after his family was displaced under the Land Apportionment Act of 1930 and the Land Husbandry Act of 1956.
After completing his secondary education, he briefly worked in the private sector before leaving the country in 1978 at the age of 16 to join the armed liberation struggle in Mozambique.
Following military training, he was appointed Platoon Commissar and later deployed to ZANLA’s Chitepo Sector, where he earned recognition as a disciplined and fearless fighter.
At independence, he was integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army.
Mnangagwa said Dzihwema rose through the ranks of the Zimbabwe National Army, serving with distinction in finance, procurement, human resources and quartermaster departments before attaining the rank of major general.
His outstanding service earned him several national honours, including the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign Medal and the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.
After retiring from the military, Dzihwema continued serving the country in senior Government positions, including as Principal Director responsible for Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment and later as Chief Director responsible for War Veterans Affairs.
Mnangagwa said in every assignment, the late national hero demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing national development and improving the lives of Zimbabweans.
Mnangagwa urged the nation, particularly young people, to emulate Dzihwema’s exemplary character, saying his rise through the military and Civil Service was built on discipline, humility, integrity, hard work and unwavering commitment to duty.
“He possessed rare and strong leadership qualities that were underpinned by humility and a compassionate heart that earned him respect from all those that worked with him,” he said.
Beyond celebrating Dzihwema’s life, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe continued to record tangible development gains under the Second Republic, with reforms across various sectors yielding positive results.
He called on Zimbabweans to safeguard the country’s resources and ensure that wealth generated from land, mining, tourism and other productive sectors benefits future generations.
Mnangagwa also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the policy of leaving “no one and no place behind,” saying comprehensive measures were in place to facilitate the safe, orderly and dignified reintegration of Zimbabweans returning from the diaspora.
He appealed to communities, traditional leaders, churches and families to support reintegration efforts while urging the private sector and development partners to assist Government in accelerating the repatriation of more citizens.
Concluding his address, Mnangagwa said Dzihwema’s lifetime of patriotism, loyalty, honesty, professionalism and selfless service had earned him an enduring place in Zimbabwe’s national memory.
“To the late National Hero, Major General (Rtd) Everisto Dzihwema, I say to you; the nation cherishes your lifetime sacrifice and achievements in service to the people,” he said.
Dzihwema was declared a National Hero in recognition of his contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, military service and public administration and was laid to rest at the National Heroes’ Acre with full national honours.
