09.22 – President Mnangagwa will this morning preside over the burial of national hero, Cde Makhethi Ndebele, known by his nom de guerre Jack Mpofu, at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare. Cde Ndebele died last Saturday at his home in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, at the age of 82.
09.34 – Zanu PF Chairman and Minister of Defence Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri arrives at the National Heroes Acre.
09.36 – Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi arrives
09.40 – Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of national hero Cde Makhethi Ndebele.
10.09 –President Mnangagwa has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of national hero Cde Makhethi Ndebele.
10.29 – Lt Col (Rtd) chronicles the late national hero’s life during the liberation struggle and after independence. He expresses the Ndebele family’s gratitude to President Mnangagwa for recognising the national hero’s contribution to the country.
10.36 – President Mnangagwa is now on the podium to address the mourners. He starts with salutations. He describes national hero Cde Makhethi Ndebele as a distinguished patriot and exceptional military instructor. He expresses heartfelt condolences to the Ndebele family.
10.45 – The President is now chronicling Cde Mpofu’s early life. Cde Jack Mpofu was trained at Morogoro Camp, Tanzania under Cde Albert Nxele. Some of the commanders at that camp were, Cdes, Ambrose Mutinhiri, Nikita Mangena, Munyanyi, Toyitoyi, Lukeout Masuku and Sam Mfakazi. Cde Jack Mpofu was later appointed to be an instructor at Morogoro before being deployed to the war front where he later suffered a serious injury.
10.52 – President Mnangagwa says it is a shame that there is a deliberate and foreign-funded campaign aimed at decampaigning the country across all fronts of the social facets. He calls upon all citizens to shun these forces and unite in building the country. He reiterates the mantra: Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. He says Zimbabwe remains a friend to all and enemy to none. President Mnangagwa says the country is now ready to host the SADC Summit. “Let us take the opportunity to showcase the massive progress we have registered against all odds, despite the Western sanctions and climate change.” He says Cde Makheti Ndebele was an epitome of patriotism and calls upon the youths to emulate his selfless dedication to the country.
11.00 – He concludes his speech by saying that Zimbabwe is a unitary state and will remain united.
11.16 – President Mnangagwa has handed over the National Flag to the Ndebele family representative.
11.20 -The body of Cde Makhethi Ndebele is now being taken to its final resting place.
