Vusumuzi Dube
Joseph Madzimure, Zimpapers Politics Hub
ALL is set for the double burial of Retired Brigadier-General Victor Rungani and former President Department director Cde Walter Basopo today, at the National Heroes Acre.
The two passed away on Tuesday last week and their contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle were recognised with the conferment of national hero status by President Mnangagwa.
Brig-Gen Rungani died at Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Waterfalls, Harare, aged 76; while Cde Basopo died at Life Groenkloof Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, aged 66.
The bodies of Retired Brig-Gen Rungani and Cde Basopo lay in state at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare yesterday and they will be interred at the National Hero’s Acre today.
Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, director Mr Dadirai Tadios, outlined the burial arrangements.
“We are expecting people to come out in their numbers to bid farewell to the two gallant sons. The gates will open for the public from 6am, with mourners expected to be seated by exactly 7am,” he said.
President Mnangagwa will deliver the keynote address during the ceremony.
To facilitate attendance, buses have been allocated to transport mourners from various provinces, especially from Masvingo, where both heroes hailed from.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works allocated 40 buses for Harare Province.
Zanu-PF Harare provincial Political Commissar Cde Voyage Dambuza, stated that inter-district meetings have been held to encourage members’ participation in honouring the two heroes.
Brig-Gen Victor Rungani was born on June 28, 1949, in Bikita, he played a crucial role in the military, serving as Director of the Zimbabwe National Army’s Engineering Military Equipment Directorate.
He was a respected leader and a successful farmer, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to national security.
Cde Basopo, who was known as Gerry Dzasukwa, was born on February 23, 1959, in Gutu.
He joined the liberation struggle in 1976 and served for 45 years in the President’s Department after independence. His bravery and commitment were evident even after sustaining serious injuries during the war.
Both heroes will be remembered for their significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation and national security.
This will become the sixth double burial of national heroes since 2016, following the burials of Major-General (Retired) Solomon Siziba and Cde Chenhamo “Chen” Chakezha Chimutengwende in January this year; while Cde Johannes Tomana and Brigadier-General (Retired) Milton Siziba were buried in August 2023.
In January 2021, the late former Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, and Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Moton Dizzy Paul Malianga also had a double burial.
On April 13, 2016, Cdes Victoria Chitepo and Vivian Mwashita were buried on the same day; while Cde Maud Muzenda, the widow of the late Vice President Simon Muzenda, and Cde George Rutanhire also had a double burial on August 26, 2017.
Online Reporter