Mugabe Tells Britain To ‘Return Remains Of Our Heroes Kept In Museums’

President Robert Mugabe has paid tribute to liberation war heroes of Zimbabwe and told Britain to return the remains of the First Chimurenga heroes, which are kept in foreign museums.

Speaking at the National Heroes Acre in Harare during the Heroes Day commemorations, Mugabe said it is sad that the ‘gallant sons of the First Chimurenga,’ who inspired the heroes and heroines of Second Chimurenga, are denigrated in foreign land where their remains are kept.

“The remains of some of our heroes of the First Chimurenga have since been identified in British museums. The remains of these heroes, who are often denigrated in foreign lands, deserve to be properly interred in a dignified way here in Zimbabwe,” said Mugabe.

The President reminded the crowd of how the famous ‘mapfupa angu achamuka (my bones shall rise again)’ words of Mbuya Nehanda inspired the liberation fighters to wage a fierce war against the Smith regime.

He took a swipe at some people who clamour for their undeserving colleagues to be buried at the national shrine.

“One does not become a hero when dead. HuHero haumuki kana munhu afa, kwete kuti wanga uchiita zvechiMDC, wozoti wafa konzi muitei hero, nokuti akangoitawo politics chete? Handizvo ka, idzi inyanzvi dzatirikurangarira nhasi. They were never sellouts, they never lost their commitment to Zimbabwe, but they remained patriotic,” said Mugabe.

He pledged to improve the welfare of war veterans, and urged them to work closely with their new ministry for the development and upliftment of their lives as well as that of the general public.

President Mugabe also told the gathering that Heroes Day is a day to celebrate.

“We are free because of these heroes, so this is a day to celebrate, because we can’t continue crying for the fallen heroes, but celebrate their achievement. It is a day to celebrate and safeguard all our resources, all that is under and above Zimbabwe, all the birds, crocodiles, lizards, monkeys, baboons and lions including Cecil which was killed recently, are ours.”

On the current job cuts, President Mugabe promised amendments to the Labour Act, which he described as an ass, to ensure fairness for both employers and employees.

“The law disadvantages some sectors. Of course companies must be served by dedicated, loyal and hardworking workers, but they must not just dismiss workers as they are doing,” he said.

After his keynote address, President Mugabe and the First lady, Dr Grace Mugabe took the lead in the laying of wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, Senate President Edna Madzongwe, National Assembly Speaker Advocate Jacob Mudenda Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, service chiefs and diplomats.
– Source-bulawayo24.