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Mozambique: President Chapo highlights Bonifácio Gruveta’s legacy as an example of patriotism for the youth
1:57 CAT | 30 May 2025
Photo: Presidência da República de Moçambique
The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, participated in the launch of the book “Gruveta: General de Todas as Frentes” in Maputo on Thursday night, a 219-page work that pays tribute to General Bonifácio Gruveta Massamba, a seminal figure in the history of Mozambique.
Coordinated by Lo-Chi and António Barros, with a foreword by Mussagy Daude Jeichande, the book highlights the career of a national hero shaped by simplicity, patriotic commitment and moral firmness. For the head of state, the book is a valuable contribution to the preservation of national identity and a legacy that should inspire future generations.
“First of all, my interpretation is to congratulate the people who led the initiative in writing this work, which is very important for the identity of the Mozambican people,” declared President Chapo, highlighting the symbolism of the launch in the context of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of national independence.
The head of state highlighted the way in which General Gruveta is portrayed as “a simple, humble man, but full of convictions and who always lived a simple life.” President Chapo recalled that, despite being entitled to a burial in the crypt of the Praça dos Heróis Moçambicanos, the general asked to be buried in his homeland, a gesture which reveals, according to Chapo, Gruveta’s “genuine connection to his origins and to the people.”
During the event, the head of state recalled his visit to Bonifácio Gruveta’s grave during the election campaign as a way of paying tribute to the man he considers “an example for the youth, because he fought to free the land and the people”.
He also highlighted the educational nature of the book, portraying as it does the values of humility, responsibility and patriotism.
President Chapo recalled Gruveta’s prominent role during the ten years of the liberation struggle and as the first governor of the province of Zambézia. “Even during his term in office, he always walked from his office to his residence and talked to everyone, from all social classes,” he said. For President Chapo, this is a model of leadership that is close to the people and supported by solid ethical values.
The book presents Gruveta as “the general of all fronts”, an expression that refers to his decisive role both on the military fronts of the liberation struggle and in the challenges of post-independence governance. The preface to the work describes Bonifácio Gruveta as a man shaped by sensitivity, firmness and dedication – traits that built his ‘Mozambicanness’ with zeal and dignity.
When asked by journalists about criticism from civil society regarding the alleged exclusion from the inclusive national dialogue process, the head of state responded clearly: “For those who have read the Law of Political Commitment for an Inclusive National Dialogue, they will understand that the inclusion of civil society is provided for there. […] There is no Mozambican who is excluded from this dialogue”.
The president stressed that the participation of civil society is a legal and constitutional imperative: “If we do not include civil society, it will therefore be considered a violation of the law. And that is not the case. We are here to comply with the law.”
He also asked citizens to be patient and calm, stating that the dialogue process follows phases and that “haste is the enemy of protection”. At the end, President Daniel Chapo made a direct invitation: “I would like to take advantage of this occasion when we are here with our friends from the media to invite all Mozambicans, without exception, and especially civil society, to participate in this process under the terms provided for by law”.
The appeal reinforces the inclusive spirit that the President of the Republic defends as essential for building the country’s future.
Source: Presidência da República de Moçambique / Media Release
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