‘We are losing a generation of diligent patriots’

‘We are losing a generation of diligent patriots’

Pretty Manyewe

Zimbabwe is losing a generation of men and women whose love for the country saw them make the ultimate sacrifice of participating in the liberation war, President Mnangagwa has said.
This follows the death of Retired Major General Sydney Bhebhe, which makes it the third high profile military death in two weeks.
As reported earlier, Major General Bhebe died Monday evening at Avenues Clinic in Harare, at the age of 61.
In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa, described Major General`s death as a monumental loss.
“I have been greatly saddened and pained by the passing on yesterday of yet another distinguished war veteran and senior officer, Major General (Retd) Sydney Bhebe. The demise of the late Major General Bhebe casts yet again another shadow over our nation which is still grieving the losses in succession if our two National heroes in a space of two weeks. Our nation is fast losing members from a generation of revolutionary cadres who joined the Armed Liberation Struggle of our Second Chimurenga in the 70s. Zimbabwe is all poorer for it as these cadres formed the bedrock of our revolutionary ethos now and in the future,” wrote the President.
The late Major General bequeathed a legacy of heroism tempered with humility, honesty, loyalty and attributes put to the advancement of the Liberation Struggle and to the nation as Zimbabwe, despite him being diabetic.
“On behalf of ZANUPF, the Government, the Zimbabwe Defense Forces and indeed on my behalf, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the Bhebe family, especially to his wife Sarah and the children who have lost a loving husband, father and mentor. As they grieve the loss of their departed, may they be comforted by the knowledge that the whole nation joins them in mourning the loss of one who was no longer theirs alone, but a national figure,” President Mnangagwa wrote.