President Emmerson Mnangagwa has yesterday, encouraged Zimbabweans to have inspiration from Mbuya Nehanda’s gallant temperament in their resolve to improve the country’s economy.
Addressing hundreds of people at the unveiling of the First Chimurenga icon’s statue in Harare on Africa Day, Mnangagwa urged people to draw inspiration from the statue of Mbuya Nehanda.
Nehanda was executed in 1898 by the white settler regime after putting up strong resistance against foreign occupation.
She remains the most celebrated heroine of her time.
Mnangagwa rallied locals to tap into Mbuya Nehanda resilience spirit to improve the modern economy.
“As such, the warrior spirit of Mbuya Nehanda and other iconic heroes and heroines should motivate us to fully utilise our God given resources to build the Zimbabwe we all want, through hard, honest work.
“The culture of resilience engrained in the people of this great country should see us modernise, industrialise and grow our economy for the betterment of all.”
The President added that the presentation of Mbuya Nehanda is a fact of bold commitment to reconstruct the Zimbabwean nation.
“The unveiling of the statue of Mbuya Nehanda Nyakasikana is the manifestation of the bold commitment to reconstruct our country’s rich past and history.” He said.
Mnangagwa said Mbuya Nehanda is responsible for the freedom that people are enjoying today.
“The towering Mbuya Nehanda statue we are gathered here to unveil, is a reflection and embodiment of the heroic people of our country from Zambezi to Limpopo, from Plumtree to Mutare, who confronted colonial aggression and paid the supreme sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.” He said.
Mnangagwa called upon Zimbabweans to respect the national monument stating that the place should not be a playground for lovers and selfie addicts.
