Mnangagwa declares '4th Chimurenga'

Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe is now in a "Fourth Chimurenga" aimed at securing full control of the country's resources and economic development, marking what he described as a new phase of the liberation struggle.

Speaking at the burial of national hero Simon Bere at National Heroes' Acre, Mnangagwa traced the country's historical struggles, saying the First Chimurenga fought colonial occupation, the Second delivered political independence, and the Third focused on land reform.

He said the current phase places responsibility on the Second Republic to translate liberation gains into tangible economic transformation and improved livelihoods.

"As we inter this gallant son of the soil, let us remember that the people's revolution continues, albeit in a changed terrain," Mnangagwa said.

He linked the Fourth Chimurenga to Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to attain upper-middle-income status, describing it as a pathway to industrialisation, modernisation and national prosperity.

The President called on citizens to contribute actively to national development, emphasising unity, peace and productivity.

"The question before all of us today is; what is it that we can contribute to consolidate the gains of our hard-won independence?" he said.

Mnangagwa outlined roles for different sectors of society, urging young people to take a leading role in modern industries such as artificial intelligence, robotics, mining, tourism and manufacturing.

"You are the cadres of the contemporary Chimurenga," he said, encouraging youth to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship.

He also highlighted the role of women in sustaining the economy through small and medium enterprises, while calling on war veterans to mentor younger generations using their experience from the liberation struggle.

Civil servants and members of the security sector were urged to serve with discipline, urgency and patriotism.

Mnangagwa further stressed the importance of boosting production and supporting local industries, saying economic patriotism should include buying Zimbabwean goods and strengthening food security through agriculture.

Turning to the life of the late Bere, Mnangagwa described him as a committed liberation fighter who joined the armed struggle in 1978 and later rose through the ranks of the Air Force of Zimbabwe to become an Air Commodore.

Bere, whose wartime name was Brian Garanewako Chimurenga, served in various capacities including in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and later in government, where he contributed to programmes supporting war veterans.

Mnangagwa said Bere's life reflected dedication, discipline and loyalty to the nation.

"He ran his race and fought his fight. He has finished well," he said.

Bere died on April 24, 2026, and was laid to rest alongside other national heroes at the country's national shrine, with senior government officials, military leaders and ruling party figures in attendance.