Tinotenda Hove – Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga has reiterated the need to uphold the values of the liberation struggle, urging Zimbabweans to remain united and focused on achieving Vision 2030 through genuine economic empowerment.

Speaking at the 22nd ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference in Manicaland, General Chiwenga said the occasion was not just a routine gathering but a moment of deep reflection and renewal for the ruling party.

“It is my profound honor and privilege to stand before you today to introduce the guest of honour, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and First Secretary of ZANU PF, on the occasion of our 22nd ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference,” said Chiwenga.

“This is not merely another conference. It is a moment of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the timeless values that have carried our revolutionary party, ZANU PF, from the liberation struggle to the envisaged future.”

The Vice President highlighted the historical significance of Manicaland Province, describing it as a “sacred place in the liberation story of our country.”

“It was a crucial gateway through which thousands of brave sons and daughters crossed into Mozambique to wage the struggle for our independence,” he said. “Through these mountains behind us, they slipped across the border — young, determined and full of conviction — to bases such as Chimoio, Nyadzonya and Tembwe in Mozambique. Others crossed through Botswana and the Zambezi to Freedom Camp in Zambia, among others.”

Chiwenga paid tribute to those who perished during the liberation struggle, saying their sacrifice laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s freedom.

“Far too many died nameless deaths in the bush and under aerial bombardment. They perished not in battle, but in hope — believing that their sacrifices would purchase a just, dignified and prosperous Zimbabwe for all,” he said.

He described the liberation camps as “altars of sacrifice” where “pain, courage and faith fused into the spirit of liberation.”

“The cries of those who fell still echo across these hills,” Chiwenga said. “Their blood speaks from the soil, reminding us that our freedom was not inherited — it was earned with suffering and consecrated by unwavering conviction.”

He urged delegates to remain true to the principles of unity, integrity, and service.

“The spirit of endurance, oneness, unity and service must continue to guide us. The fallen are watching us. Their blood demands integrity. Their voices cry out against corruption, laziness, and moral decay,” he said.

Chiwenga emphasized that the bond between the party and the people “must remain unbroken.”

“The welfare war was the people’s war. Every family was part of the revolution,” he said. “The same unity and singleness of purpose that drove our liberation struggle must now be the moral compass guiding us into the future.”

Turning to the conference theme, “Attainment of Vision 2030 Through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition,” Chiwenga said the goal was to ensure that every Zimbabwean benefits from the country’s wealth.

“Our task is to build a people-centered economy that empowers every Zimbabwean and ensures that our national wealth benefits all, not just a few,” he said. “Economic empowerment must be genuine — equipping all our people with the means to produce, innovate, and own our own destiny.”

He also invoked the memory of liberation heroes such as the late General Josiah Magama Tongogara, saying their sacrifices must continue to inspire the nation’s development agenda.

“Some of them, like our late commander General Josiah Magama Tongogara, knew they would not see a free Zimbabwe. He was told openly that when the day comes that this country will be free, he would die. But he still fought until the last day,” said Chiwenga.

“They fought for the future, not for themselves. Vision 2030 must therefore be understood in the same light — as both a party and a national covenant.”