Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged Zimbabweans to emulate the late national hero, Joshua Malinga who passed on in Bulawayo on 8 September 2023 following a long fight with cancer.
Addressing mourners at the National Heroes Acre today, President Mnangagwa highlighted the memorable work done by Cde Malinga urging Zimbabweans to copy his good works.
“I urge us as a nation to take a leaf from the illustrious life of the late comrade Malinga. Let us all uphold the values of honest, hard work, patriotism, integrity and loyalty to our country,” said President Mnangagwa.
He further challenged persons with disabilities to shun sympathy and demonstrate confidence in themselves.
“I challenge persons with disabilities in particular and the nation at large, to never allow ourselves to be objects of charity and sympathy. We are all “differentially abled.” Let us, therefore, rally our energy, skills, capabilities and competencies to build, modernize and industrialize Zimbabwe.
“On its part, my Government will continue to ensure the accelerated implementation of our national disability policy. Under the Second Republic, all persons of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, have a role to play in developing, modernizing and industrializing our country.”
Meanwhile, Malinga`s lifetime achievements were underpinned by a fervent desire to protect and defend the rights of persons with disabilities, locally and globally. For him, disability spurred an exceptional life and career, including courageously participating and sharing the risks of nationalist politics, and in the struggle for the nation`s independence.
In recognition of his immense leadership capabilities, Malinga was appointed Advisory Board member of the African Development Bank (ADB) then Secretary General and founder member of the Pan African Federation of the disabled.
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