News / National
Broaden the spectrum of our national heroes say Tsvangirai
14 Aug 2012 at 08:10hrs | Views
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Monday called for the broadening of the definition of national heroes to honour excelling Zimbabweans from all facets of life.
Tsvangirai, who attended Heroes' Day commemorations in Harare alongside other principals in the inclusive government, made the call in a statement published in the media.
He said Zimbabweans had always been a "heroic people, a proud people of heroes and heroines."
"It is my view that we must now begin as a nation to broaden the spectrum of our national heroes," he said in the message that he also used to mark today's Defence Forces Day.
"There are patriotic Zimbabweans in the arts, in business, in sport and in other spheres who have equally served their country with distinction and who deserve recognition."
The selection of national heroes has been confined to Zanu-PF members, especially those who participated in the liberation war.
Tsvangirai said despite political differences Zimbabweans were united.
He also praised members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who have refused to been drawn into politics.
"I have no doubt that the majority of our soldiers are professionals who respect and are sworn to upholding the country's constitution," Tsvangirai said.
Yesterday President Robert Mugabe came to Tsvangirai's rescue after a predominantly Zanu-PF crowd jeered him as he arrived at the Heroes' Acre.
The crowd jeered after co-master of ceremonies, Home Affairs minister Kembo Mohadi referred to Tsvangirai as "Comrade."
Before delivering his prepared speech, Mugabe chided his supporters, saying Heroes' Day was a national event.
Tsvangirai was accompanied by his wife Elizabeth Macheka.
Tsvangirai, who attended Heroes' Day commemorations in Harare alongside other principals in the inclusive government, made the call in a statement published in the media.
He said Zimbabweans had always been a "heroic people, a proud people of heroes and heroines."
"It is my view that we must now begin as a nation to broaden the spectrum of our national heroes," he said in the message that he also used to mark today's Defence Forces Day.
"There are patriotic Zimbabweans in the arts, in business, in sport and in other spheres who have equally served their country with distinction and who deserve recognition."
The selection of national heroes has been confined to Zanu-PF members, especially those who participated in the liberation war.
He also praised members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who have refused to been drawn into politics.
"I have no doubt that the majority of our soldiers are professionals who respect and are sworn to upholding the country's constitution," Tsvangirai said.
Yesterday President Robert Mugabe came to Tsvangirai's rescue after a predominantly Zanu-PF crowd jeered him as he arrived at the Heroes' Acre.
The crowd jeered after co-master of ceremonies, Home Affairs minister Kembo Mohadi referred to Tsvangirai as "Comrade."
Before delivering his prepared speech, Mugabe chided his supporters, saying Heroes' Day was a national event.
Tsvangirai was accompanied by his wife Elizabeth Macheka.
Source - newsday
