By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Zimbabwe has laid to rest veteran nationalist and freedom fighter Cde Victor Panganayi Kuretu, remembered as a steadfast patriot whose life was dedicated to the liberation and development of the country.
Cde Kuretu was buried this Thursday at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa led mourners in paying tribute to the late national hero.
A teacher by profession, Cde Kuretu’s journey into politics was born out of a deep conviction for freedom and justice. His activism saw him arrested and detained at the notorious Gonakudzingwa restriction camp until 1970, yet he never abandoned the cause of liberation.
“Cde Kuretu remained resolute in support of the revolutionary ideals and principles of our liberation movement. The nation has lost a loyal, committed, and hardworking cadre who served our motherland consistently during the liberation struggle and after Independence,” President Mnangagwa said.
Post-independence, Cde Kuretu continued to serve in various capacities, contributing to nation-building and community development. Until his passing, he was a member of the ZANU PF National Consultative Assembly and National Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association.
The President described him as a “champion of national development” who remained patriotic throughout the country’s socio-economic and political transitions.
Reflecting on the broader national agenda, President Mnangagwa reiterated the importance of unity, dialogue, and people-centred policies in driving industrialisation and improving the quality of life for all Zimbabweans.
“In this era of national development, industrialisation, and modernisation, dialogue remains key to achieving impactful results,” he said, urging ministries, departments, and agencies to improve communication and stakeholder engagement for faster progress.
As his body was lowered into the national shrine, mourners remembered Cde Kuretu as a humble yet principled leader whose heroism, perseverance, and dedication will remain etched in Zimbabwe’s liberation history.