Decades after independence, the name Dr Simon Mazorodze continues to resonate deeply within Zimbabwe’s national consciousness — a name synonymous with courage, service, and sacrifice. His story, woven into the fabric of the country’s liberation and development, remains a reminder of what it means to serve selflessly for the good of one’s nation.
On Wednesday, Zimbabweans gathered at Harare Gardens to celebrate the life and legacy of this revered patriot and national hero. The commemoration, marked by speeches, reflection, and the launch of a new book chronicling his life, brought together government officials, liberation war veterans, family members, and ordinary citizens — all united in honouring a man whose deeds helped shape Zimbabwe’s destiny.
This year’s event held special meaning, as it coincided with the release of a book written by his widow, Mrs Alice Mazorodze. The publication captures both the public and private sides of Dr Mazorodze — the healer, the revolutionary, and the family man — while shedding light on his immense contribution to the liberation struggle and post-independence nation-building.
“We remember a man of love, a giver and healer. All this is captured in this book,” Mrs Mazorodze said during the ceremony. “I knew him through the Vice President, Dr Kembo Mohadi, and through that connection, I learned how deeply respected Simon was — not just for his medical work, but for his heart and generosity.”
Zimbabwe Honours Dr Simon Mazorodze’s Lasting Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
Dr Simon Mazorodze was one of Zimbabwe’s pioneering black medical doctors, a man who dedicated both his professional expertise and personal resources to the liberation cause. His medical practice became a sanctuary for freedom fighters, as he risked his life treating wounded combatants during the liberation war. Beyond his clinic walls, he also provided financial support, transport, and logistics to sustain the struggle for independence.
The Commissioner for Heroes’ Dependants in the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Ms Gladys Moyo, described Dr Mazorodze as “a brave man who confronted oppression in many ways — selfless to the extent of giving himself and his resources for the struggle.”
For many war veterans, his memory is personal. One veteran, who was treated by Dr Mazorodze after sustaining an injury during the war, recounted how the doctor’s compassion and skill saved countless lives. “He was a man who treated me when I was wounded during the struggle. Today, I see his legacy not just in hospitals and roads named after him, but in the spirit of service he left behind. He inspires young people to do more for their country and to live selflessly,” the veteran said.
Dr Mazorodze’s influence extends beyond the medical field and liberation history — it lives on in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and collective identity. Simon Mazorodze Road, one of Harare’s major thoroughfares, stretches from the southern suburbs through the iconic Traffablas Interchange, linking the capital to major trading routes that connect Zimbabwe with the region. For many, the road represents more than a physical path — it stands as a symbol of progress, perseverance, and the enduring impact of a man who gave everything to his nation.
As a founding member of ZANU-PF and one of the early cabinet ministers after independence in 1980, Dr Mazorodze played a crucial role in the young nation’s formative years. His approach to leadership was grounded in humility and service, values that earned him respect across political and social divides. He viewed independence not as a personal victory but as a collective responsibility — a call to rebuild, heal, and empower Zimbabweans after years of colonial oppression.
Though his life was cut short by a heart ailment on November 5, 1981, Dr Mazorodze’s spirit continues to live on through the institutions, infrastructure, and ideals he helped establish. His contribution to healthcare remains particularly significant; he believed that accessible, quality medical care was a fundamental right for every Zimbabwean, especially those in rural areas who had long been neglected under colonial rule.
The book launched in his honour adds a vital chapter to Zimbabwe’s historical memory, ensuring that future generations understand the depth of his sacrifice and the humanity that guided his work. It offers personal anecdotes and testimonies from those who knew him — stories that go beyond political rhetoric to reveal a man who balanced professional excellence with deep compassion for others.
As the sun set over Harare Gardens, the event closed not with mourning but with gratitude — a celebration of a man whose footsteps paved the road for a new Zimbabwe. For many, Dr Simon Mazorodze is not just a historical figure but a moral compass, reminding the nation that patriotism is not measured in words but in deeds.
In remembering him, Zimbabwe also reflects on its ongoing journey — one built on the sacrifices of men and women like Dr Mazorodze, whose love for their country was both profound and transformative. His life remains an enduring lesson: that true leadership is service, and true patriotism is sacrifice.
Source- ZBC
