PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has joined the nation in commemorating the 16th anniversary of the death of veteran freedom fighter and nationalist, national hero, and former Vice President, Comrade Joseph Wilfred Msika.

Cde Msika died on this day in 2009.

In a statement, the Head of State described the late Vice President as a fearless campaigner for independence, sovereignty, and development of Zimbabwe, saying as the nation celebrates the legacy of national heroes and heroines, resilience against neo-colonial machinations is fortified.

Cde Msika is one of the prominent nationalists who fought colonial subjugation and racial discrimination and never relented until the attainment of the country’s independence.

President Mnangagwa said Cde Msika played a crucial role in the recruitment of cadres to join the liberation war training camps within the region and beyond.

“Bruno, as he was affectionately known, Cde Msika’s values of selflessness, unity, peace, freedom, and honesty must be emulated by all Zimbabweans as the spirit of nation building.”

The Head of State said that as the nation remembers one of the foremost liberators and cultural icon, Zimbabweans must stand united in the beliefs and ideals he fought for in an effort to bring socio-economic transformation and the attainment of Vision 2030 of an empowered, knowledge, and technology driven upper middle income society.
Like all departed heroes and heroines, President Mnangagwa said their love for the land must be honoured by increasing production through smart climate-proofed agriculture.