Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
MOURNERS from across Beitbridge District yesterday gathered at Tshigomele Village to bid farewell to respected local businessman and liberation war veteran Cde Stanley Mudau, who died last week following a short illness.
War veterans, Zanu-PF leaders, community members and family gathered to pay tribute to a man remembered not only for his contribution to the liberation struggle, but also for his discipline, entrepreneurship and commitment to community development.
Born in Tshigomele in 1957 into a family of eight comprising five boys and three girls, Cde Mudau’s life journey took him from the battlefields of the liberation struggle to the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and later into the business world.
He is survived by seven children.
Cde Mudau received his initial military training at Mulungushi in Zambia before proceeding to Russia, then part of the Soviet Union, for further military training.
Upon his return to Zambia, he was posted back to Mulungushi before being deployed near Kariba in the Shubamende/Sesheke area.
Heavy bombardment forced his unit to withdraw to Kafue. At the time, Cde Mudau held the rank of Platoon Commander.
Following the ceasefire and Zimbabwe’s attainment of Independence in 1980, Cde Mudau returned home and was integrated into the ZNA.
He was initially stationed at 1.2 Battalion in Ntabazinduna. Following the disbandment of the unit, he was transferred to 1.3 Battalion in Greendale, Bulawayo, under Commander Dickson Chauke.
The battalion was later disbanded and he was reposted to 1.6 Battalion, which subsequently became 1.3 Battalion in Plumtree.
Cde Mudau later retired from the ZNA with the rank of Staff Sergeant, before the introduction of the “One Up” promotion system.
After leaving the military, Cde Mudau ventured into business, first establishing himself in neighbouring South Africa where he successfully operated a security company known as Honey Pot.
He later returned to Zimbabwe and continued his entrepreneurial journey, establishing Wiseforce Security Company.
Those who knew him said his success in business never detached him from his community.
Speaking at the burial, Matabeleland South war veterans chairman Cde Alfred Makhomo Moyo described the late cadre as a disciplined man of principle who served his country and community with distinction.
“The community has lost a disciplined cadre who will be sadly missed. Cde Mudau carried himself with dignity and served both the nation and his people with commitment,” said Cde Makhomo Moyo.
National director of the Zanu PF War Veterans League, Cde Ekem Volta Moyo, used the occasion to urge liberation war veterans to document their experiences so that future generations understand the sacrifices made during the struggle.
“We are grateful for the support the Government is giving war veterans. I encourage war veterans to document their history to ensure they get the respect they deserve when they die. Our history must be recorded so that future generations know the sacrifices made,” he said.
Beitbridge Rural District Council chairperson Councillor Oscar Chiromo described Cde Mudau as a businessman of repute and a committed community champion.
Family spokesperson Mr Ananias Muzhambi Sibanda said Cde Mudau’s death had left a huge void within the family and the wider community.
“We have lost a pillar of strength and a unifier who brought us together. He will be missed by the children, relatives and the entire Ward 15 community,” he said.
