Acting President General (Retired) Constantino Chiwenga has challenged Zimbabweans to uphold ethical leadership, unity of purpose and national development, saying these values form the true foundation of the nation’s independence and future prosperity.
Speaking at the burial of the late Brigadier General (Rtd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava at the National Heroes Acre on Friday, Chiwenga said the fallen soldier’s life of discipline, professionalism and selfless service embodied the ideals required to build a strong, united and prosperous Zimbabwe.
He noted progress achieved under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and said the country is now poised for accelerated growth as it transitions to National Development Strategy 2.
“As we transition into the National Development Strategy 2, Zimbabwe stands poised for accelerated growth, provided we entrench ethical leadership at all levels, defeat corruption and uphold a Whole of Government Approach. Realising our vision of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030 hinges on our collective commitment to ethical behaviour and rejection of selfish enrichment practices. Our focus must be on industrialisation, value addition and inclusive growth. We must remain steadfast in our efforts to transform the economy, generate quality jobs and enhance the livelihoods of our citizens,” he said.
The Acting President described Brigadier General (Rtd) Ngarava as a dedicated servant of the nation whose military career reflected unwavering loyalty and commitment to duty.
The Acting President noted that the late officer rose through the ranks from sergeant in 1981 to colonel in 2020, before being promoted to brigadier general upon his retirement in August 2023, a journey he said testified to his reliability and exemplary conduct within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
General (Rtd) Chiwenga highlighted Brigadier General Ngarava’s significant contributions to Army education and defence logistics, saying his work strengthened institutional capacity and enhanced operational effectiveness within the military.
“Brigadier General Ngarava’s participation in the peace campaigns in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo was anchored in a clear strategic objective, the restoration of political stability and the unlocking of sustainable economic growth in those countries. Therefore, his enduring aspiration was to see that same stability, prosperity and national cohesion firmly established in his own country- not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived reality for every citizen. The true measure of our respect for Brigadier General Ngarava and all other departed comrades will not be found in today’s ceremony, but in the quality of the Zimbabwe we will leave behind,” he said.
The Acting President urged Zimbabweans to transform their grief into renewed commitment to national unity, saying the greatest tribute to Brigadier General (Rtd) Ngarava and other departed heroes lies in building a stronger, more harmonious and prosperous Zimbabwe.
“In this moment of reflection, let us channel our grief into a renewed commitment to our country, fostering the spirit of unity that Brigadier General Ngarava so fervently championed. Together, we can ensure that his legacy lives on as we strive to build a stronger and more harmonious Zimbabwe. As I conclude, today, we lay to rest the late Brigadier General Ngarava alongside his colleagues at this National Shrine, for remembrance and eternal reverence. We promise that we will continue to work hard,” he said.
