Staff Reporter
The late national hero and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Development, Cde Joel Biggie Matiza, was described as a proponent of black empowerment and a hardworking professional who wanted to see the country prosper.
Speaking at the memorial service of the late Dr Matiza in Harare yesterday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said people should take a leaf from late national hero and use their skills and experiences to develop the country.
“As such, Cde Matiza was always available and ready to deploy his competencies and skill set for the benefit of our beloved country. Taking a leaf from the life of Cde Matiza, I challenge our people at all levels, both locally and abroad, to be available for deployment and to use their skills and experiences to accelerate the sustainable development agenda of our country,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa added that every citizen in Zimbabwe had an obligation to contribute in the building of the country.
“Zimbabweans are known to be a hardworking people. However, in keeping with our mantra, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,’ this hard work ethic must be expressed towards building our own country. Zimbabweans have a primary obligation to build Zimbabwe, their mother land,” added President Mnangagwa.
The President further said that Cde Matiza wanted to see the completion of infrastructure projects and urged all local companies to also engage in nation building.
“To our local companies, I assure you that my Government will continue to entrust you with greater responsibility in nation building across all sectors of the economy. Continue with the good work that you have shown to date. As I have promised, hard honest work, professionalism, skills and talent will be rewarded by my administration.
“I call upon our contractors to speedily complete the on-going infrastructure projects. The tradition of needless complaining, finger pointing and excuses is not part of the culture of the Second Republic. My Government is about results, action and progressive dialogue which advance the national interests,” said the President.
Dr Matiza succumbed to COVID-19 on 22 January this year and was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
