Harmony Agere

Brigadier-General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga served the country with distinction, President Mnangagwa has said.

Addressing mourners at the burial of the national hero at the National Heroes Acre in Harare this morning, President Mnangagwa challenged youths to emulate Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mpabanga.

“We gather here at this sacred National Heroes Acre to lay Brigadier General (Rtd) Samuel Mpabanga to rest,” said the President.

“He was a gallant son of Zimbabwe, a distinguished patriot, and played a critical role in the liberation of the country.”

President Mnangagwa said it is befitting for Cde Mpabanga to be interred at the revered national shrine alongside other heroes who dedicated their lives to the country’s liberation.

He noted that after independence, Brigadier-General Mpabanga continued to serve in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with dedication, adding that his contributions to the country’s independence and security architecture will forever be remembered.

“Our national hero has passed on as we prepare for independence celebrations in his home province -Matabeleland South,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa called on young people to draw inspiration from the liberation struggle.

“I challenge the youth and learners at all stages to be inspired by our liberation war history so that you become the heroes of our time.”

He said Government continues to prioritise infrastructure development, including road rehabilitation, and is putting in place measures to ensure economic growth.

Speaking earlier, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mpabanga’s brother, Mr Stephen Mbizo thanked President Mnangagwa for conferring national hero status on him.

Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mpabanga is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.