Patriotic Vendors4ED hails liberation heroes, Defence Forces

Patriotic Vendors4ED has used the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day commemorations to pay tribute to Zimbabwe's liberation war heroes while pledging continued support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Government's development agenda.

In a message issued under the leadership of National Chairman Sawu Jere, the organisation said Heroes Day should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle and the responsibility of Zimbabweans to protect the country's sovereignty and economic future. It said the sacrifices of liberation fighters created an environment in which Zimbabweans can pursue livelihoods and operate businesses freely.

"On Heroes Day, we kneel in spirit at the graves of those who refused to be slaves," the organisation said, adding that the liberation struggle made it possible for ordinary Zimbabweans to pursue economic opportunities.

Patriotic Vendors4ED paid tribute to historical and liberation figures including Sekuru Kaguvi, Mbuya Nehanda, King Lobengula, Lozikeyi, Dr Joshua Nkomo and former President Robert Mugabe, as well as other fallen heroes commemorated at the National Heroes Acre, provincial shrines and elsewhere. The organisation also remembered young people who died during the liberation struggle and those it said had sacrificed their lives in the fight against poverty, sanctions and injustice.

The message also turned its attention to the country's Defence Forces, with Patriotic Vendors4ED saluting the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, police and other security services. "On Defence Forces Day, we stand and salute," the organisation said, thanking the security services for what it described as their role in protecting Zimbabwe's borders, maintaining peace and creating an environment in which businesses and markets can operate.

Patriotic Vendors4ED also sought to elevate the status of informal traders, describing vendors as "economic soldiers" whose daily activities contribute to the national economy. "To the Patriotic Vendors across this great land: Hear me. You are not ‘just vendors'. You are economic soldiers," the organisation said. It argued that every transaction conducted by vendors and every tax paid represented a contribution towards Zimbabwe's economic development.

The organisation further called on vendors to work harder, support locally produced goods and protect peace and national unity. "Let us work harder. Let us buy Zimbabwean. Let us protect our peace," it said.

Patriotic Vendors4ED said it would continue to support President Mnangagwa and his administration, describing him as a leader of the Second Republic committed to national development. "Under the leadership of National Chairman Sawu Jere, Patriotic Vendors4ED says this: We will firmly stand with the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa, a leader of the Second Republic committed to great development," the statement said.

The group also expressed support for Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Constitutional Amendment No. 3, placing the initiatives within its broader political and economic agenda.

The organisation ended its message by urging Zimbabweans to honour the sacrifices of the liberation generation through continued efforts to develop the country. "As we remember the fallen and as we honour the uniformed, let us make one promise: We will finish what they started. We will build the Zimbabwe they dreamed of," it said.

The message concluded with the slogans: "One Nation. One People. One Economy. One Destiny" and "Pamberi na President Mnangagwa, Pamberi ne Vision 2030, Pamberi ne Constitutional Amendment No. 3, Pamberi ne NDS2."

This update contributes to broader discussions around national commemorations and civic unity messaging.