Online Reporter
Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has conferred national hero status on Brigadier-General (Retired) Mark Charles Chimwaza (pictured) in recognition of his immense contribution to the liberation and development of the nation.
Brig-Gen (Rtd) Chimwaza, a veteran nationalist and community leader, died on December 11 at his home after battling lung cancer.
He was 68.
The announcement was made yesterday by the Secretary for Security in the Politburo and State Security Minister, Cde Lovemore Matuke, at the Chimwaza family home in Kuwadzana 7, Harare.
“President Mnangagwa, who is the First Secretary of the party (Zanu-PF), has conferred national hero status on Brig-Gen (Rtd) Chimwaza,” he said.
“He will be interred at the National Heroes Acre at a date to be advised. The President considered the role played by Brig-Gen (Rtd) Chimwaza during and after the liberation struggle and has seen it fit to accord him this highest honour.”
Cde Matuke said: “The late Brigadier-General (Retired) was a distinguished Military Officer whose work we shall forever cherish. Above all, he remained focused and steadfast in the face of neo-colonial machinations by our detractors”.
Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, in a statement yesterday, described the late Brig-Gen as an honest, humble and loyal soldier.
“Zimbabwe National Army and the nation at large have been plunged into mourning following the death of Brigadier-General Retired Mark Charles Chimwaza,” reads the statement.
“His professional conduct, whose qualities were based on honesty, integrity, humility, stability, loyalty, enthusiasm, and leadership, speaks well to his legacy.”
Cde Chimwaza’s nom de guerre was Cde Paddington Chafachaora.
Brig-Gen Chimwaza, who was born on October 4, 1957, in Mutare District, Manicaland Province, under Chief Marange and Headman Kurauone.
He left school and crossed the border into Mozambique to join the liberation struggle as a Zanla cadre in late 1976.
He stayed at Doroi Camp before proceeding to Chimoio for his initial military training at Takawira Two in 1977.
While undertaking military training, Chimoio Camp was attacked and as such, he could not finish his training.
He returned to Doroi Camp and later went to Tembwe Zanla military training base to complete his military training in 1978.
Towards the end of 1979, the late General Officer was selected to go for cadet military training in Romania, where he specialised in Field Artillery until 1982.
The General Officer was a highly decorated soldier whose service to the nation spanned decades of sacrifice, leadership and commitment.
He was awarded the Liberation Medal and the Independence Medal in recognition of his contribution towards the attainment of Zimbabwe’s Independence.
For his immense role in the integration, formation and development of the Zimbabwe National Army during its formative years, he received the Ten Years’ Service Medal.
His unwavering professionalism was further acknowledged through the Long and Exemplary Service Medal, awarded for fifteen continuous years of distinguished service.
The late General Officer also earned the Mozambique Campaign Medal and the DRC Campaign Medal for his contribution towards the restoration of peace and stability in the two countries.
In honour of his eminent achievements and distinguished service to Zimbabwe and humanity at large, he was bestowed with the Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.
Brig-Gen Chimwaza retired from active service on April 10, 2022.
He left a legacy of excellence in the ZNA and the defence forces at large.
The late Brig Chimwaza is survived by his wife, Viola Chimwaza and three daughters.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 5373 Kuwadzana 7 in Harare.
More details on funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
