'Some of the people who are called heroes are far from being heroes': ZAPU

Zapu's director of security and former Zipra regional commander, Andrew Ndlovu said the selection process of national heroes by Zanu-PF should be non-partisan and recognise all who contributed to the liberation of the country regardless of political affiliation. He said the partisan selection process had contributed to his party's pull-out from the unity accord signed in 1987 with Zanu PF.

Ndlovu said as a Zipra front, Zapu is worried that majority of Zipra cadres are continuously being sidelined by Zanu-PF on heroes' status granting. He said appears  that the definition of a hero to Zanu PF is only someone who is loyal to Zanu PF.

According to Ndlovu all people who went to war, even if they did not go to the front to fight, should be considered as heroes.

Ndlovu said almost 32 years now, most of the Zipra cadres are still not recognised as war veterans and heroes just because some hold different political views from Zanu PF and do not support that party.

"I feel the government must revisit the issue of hero status and war veterans and accommodate everyone who gave his or her life to the struggle of liberation," he said.

Ndlovu also said due to Zanu-PF stance of according hero status, the heroes' shrine has been relegated to just a general shrine which heroes like himself no longer feel is good for them to be laid there because some of the people who are called heroes are far from being heroes.

He said even if someone is in the MDC contributed to the liberation of the country, the person must be honoured as a hero.