Adv Sibanda was dedicated to Zim’s liberation

Herald Correspondent
The Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs has described late advocate Siwanda Kennedy Mbuso Sibanda, who died at Morningside MediClinic in Johannesburg, South Africa on December 22 aged 89, as a selfless cadre dedicated to the liberation of the country.

Adv Sibanda was declared a National Hero by the Zanu PF Politburo for his outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle.

In a statement the ministry said Adv Sibanda offered his professional skills and career to the struggle and the country before and after the attainment of independence.

“As part of the Patriotic Front legal team in London during the Lancaster House talks, the late national hero distinguished himself as a loyal cadre who was entrusted with the difficult task of being one of the drafters of the Lancaster House Constitution which paved the way to Zimbabwe’s Independence in 1980.

“He was involved in national politics in the 1960s working together with the likes of the late national hero Cde Dr Edson Sithole. Due to his loyalty and versatility, the late Advocate Sibanda was appointed to senior positions in both government and the ruling party, ZANU PF.”

The ministry said in 1997, Adv Sibanda was called to the bench, serving as one of the country’s judges of the High Court in Bulawayo where he contributed immensely in the shaping of the country’s laws.

“May the Sibanda family draw comfort from the knowledge that the entire Zimbabwean people commiserates with them during this difficult period. May the Almighty God strengthen them to deal with this sad loss.”

Born on April 19, 1932 and grew up in Somnene, Bulilima District in Matebeleland South, Adv Sibanda was the son of successful farmers, Jack Mbuso Sibanda and Volo Sibanda (nee Gumbo).

As the eldest of six children, he was raised to be responsible not just for himself but for his siblings as well.