Tinotenda Hove – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday eulogised the late National Hero Major General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema, hailing him as “a disciplined and fearless liberation war cadre whose bravery and dedication distinguished his service to the nation.”

Speaking at the burial at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, Mnangagwa traced Dzihwema’s path into the liberation struggle and said his contribution was “marked by courage and commitment.”

The President listed the honours awarded to the late Major General, stating that his “distinguished service earned him several national honours, including the Liberation Medal, the Independence Medal and the Long and Exemplary Service Medal.”

Beyond the army, Mnangagwa noted Dzihwema also served in Government as “Principal Director responsible for Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment in the then Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment.”

But the tributes came as questions mount over whether rhetoric is matching reality.

Pivoting to the economy, Mnangagwa claimed “the Second Republic continues to register tangible economic gains that are improving people’s livelihoods” — an assertion that sits uneasily with persistent inflation, joblessness, and service delivery failures facing ordinary Zimbabweans.

The President then turned to the diaspora, promising that “Government has put in place comprehensive measures to facilitate their seamless, safe, orderly and dignified reintegration.”

He urged “communities, including traditional leaders and churches, to support the reintegration process,” and said he was “inviting the private sector and other well-wishers to partner with Government in assisting Zimbabweans returning home.”

Mnangagwa concluded: “all those in the diaspora remain welcome back to Zimbabwe.”

Critics argue the speech offered more ceremony than solutions. While praise for liberation heroes is ritual at Heroes Acre, many in the diaspora say “comprehensive measures” have yet to translate into jobs, property rights, and an end to bureaucratic hurdles that make return difficult.

With the economy still biting and promises repeated each year, the gap between “tangible economic gains” and lived experience remains the real hullabaloo waiting for an answer.