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MDC presses for national policy on hero status
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
March 13, 2009

The MDC presses for an inclusive national policy with set parameters and clearly defined yardsticks that determine who qualifies to be a national hero.

We strongly believe that the conferment of hero status cannot be the exclusive preserve of one political party. Certainly, neither the MDC national executive nor the Zanu PF politburo has any unilateral right to determine who is a hero and who is not. Hero status must be conferred by an all-stakeholders' body with no single subjective interest in the conferment of such national status on any individual.

While we have no debate with the hero status of Retired Army General Vitalis Zvinavashe, we believe that there must be an inclusive, transparent and nationally acceptable policy on the conferring of hero status. Zvinavashe is a gallant son who has served his country selflessly as a freedom fighter, a service chief and a Member of Parliament.

But it is erroneous to believe that only politicians qualify to be national heroes. Zimbabweans have produced the best minds in business, in sport, in music and in the arts in general. The MDC equally believes that one does not need to be dead to be appreciated in the country of their birth. Acknowledging talent and celebrating it is the hallmark of progressive and civilised societies.

In light of the inclusive political arrangement currently obtaining in the country, the selection of a national hero cannot be an exclusive political process. We need to be working together in every process to reflect the new spirit of rapprochement and national engagement of all players for the good of the nation and the country.

Zimbabweans. especially in light of this inclusive government would have expected an inclusive national process that determines and debates on critical issues such as the national hero status of individuals.

The MDC unreservedly commits itself to the respect and honouring of all national events, symbols and values. In this vein, it is critical that the preparation and participation in all these events be inclusive. Those of us in the MDC would wish to see one day a Zanu cadre standing side by side with an MDC cadre in their party regalia celebrating a national event.

That would be the beginning of wisdom and true national healing.

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