By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo
OPINION – Zimbabwe commemorates Heroes Day, we bow our heads in solemn remembrance of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our liberation. These heroes, both living and departed, took up arms against colonial domination not for personal gain, but so that we, their descendants, could live in a free, independent, and empowered nation.
It is our duty—every citizen’s duty—to honor their sacrifice not just through ceremonies and speeches, but through action. And for the media, that duty is especially critical.
The media must be the mouthpiece of the people, not a tool for division or distortion. In a world overflowing with misinformation, disinformation, and calculated propaganda, Zimbabwean media houses are urged to rise to the occasion and reclaim their patriotic role: to tell the Zimbabwean story truthfully, boldly, and responsibly.
The legacy of our heroes demands that we build, not destroy; unify, not divide. Media must resist the temptation of sensationalism that fuels hate, tribalism, regionalism, or racism. Our differences should be sources of strength and dialogue—not lines of division. We owe it to our fallen heroes to build the Zimbabwe they dreamed of—a nation united, just, and free.
While the colonial oppressor may be gone, Zimbabwe faces new enemies from within. Corruption, in all its forms, remains one of the most potent threats to national development and security. The media must actively expose and campaign against corruption without fear or favor.
Under the leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has shown commendable commitment to tackling graft. However, these efforts risk being undermined by the absence of robust legal protection for whistle-blowers and investigative journalists. It is imperative that whistle-blower protection legislation be expedited. Such laws would empower the media to do its job effectively—without fear of victimization—thus complementing government efforts in cleaning up our systems.
Another growing threat is the scourge of drug and substance abuse, especially among the youth. It is tearing apart the social fabric of families and threatening productivity across the nation. Once again, the media must be a front-line soldier in this fight—educating, warning, and mobilizing communities against this silent enemy.
Patriotic journalism is not blind loyalty—it is responsible reporting that serves the nation’s interests. Media should highlight progress where it is made: infrastructure development, industrial modernization, agricultural transformation, and the quiet heroism of everyday Zimbabweans who toil daily to grow the national cake.
Constructive criticism should be welcomed, but it must not be a cloak for incitement or destruction. The aim should be national growth, not chaos.
Foreign interests often prey on our divisions for their own benefit. Let us remain vigilant. Zimbabwe’s challenges require Zimbabwean solutions. The media should amplify voices that call for unity, development, and peace—not those that fan flames of discord. The colours on our national flag are not mere decorations. They symbolize the blood shed for our freedom, the wealth of our land, the promise of peace, and the resilience of the black majority who toiled under colonialism. Let these colours remind us of who we are, and what our heroes fought for.
We commend the Second Republic for its growing engagement with the media, both public and private. A cordial relationship between the state and media is essential for fostering transparency, accountability, and shared national goals.
The road to Vision 2030 is paved with hard work, sacrifice, and cooperation. The media must continue to shine a light on development and transformation, and in doing so, inspire national pride and participation in the rebuilding of Zimbabwe.
Our heroes didn’t die so we could fight among ourselves or squander our inheritance through corruption, division, and inaction. They died so that Zimbabwe could live—free, united, prosperous.
Let us therefore honor them, not just in words, but in the way we tell our stories, in the way we serve our nation, and in how we fight today’s battles for a better tomorrow.
This Heroes Day, let the media be a mirror of our values, a watchdog for justice, and a drumbeat for national unity. That is how we truly honor the legacy of our heroes.
