Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
ACTING President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has expressed sorrow at the death of Mrs Sikhubekiso Mangena, widow of national hero and former Commander of the Zimbabwe Peoples’ Revolutionary Army (Zipra), Cde Rodgers Alferd Nikita Mangena.
She passed away on May 11 in Bulawayo, at the age of 69, after battling asthma-related complications.
The Acting President said Mrs Mangena was a symbol of resilience, standing steadfast alongside her husband during the liberation struggle against colonial oppression.
“It was with a great sense of sadness and loss that I learnt of the passing on of Mrs Sikhubekiso Mangena (nee Madeya), widow of the late National Hero, former Commander of the Zimbabwe Peoples’ Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), Cde Rodgers Alferd Nikita Mangena,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
“Mrs Mangena belonged to a rare breed of brave women who stood resolutely behind their spouses during the execution of the war of liberation against the oppressive settler regime, which had brought racial segregation and untold suffering upon the masses.
“Her late husband, one of the pioneers of the armed struggle, was brutally assassinated in a Rhodesian-planted landmine explosion near Kabanga Mission in Southern Zambia in 1978.
“His death brought indescribable suffering and agony upon a young widow, now left with the burden of two toddlers, Lotshe, aged two years and Leila, who was only one year old,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
He extended condolences on behalf of President Mnangagwa, the ruling ZANU (PF) party, and the Government, urging the Mangena family to find solace in knowing that the entire nation mourned with them.
The Mrs Mangena is survived by her son Lotshe and nine grandchildren.
