Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
ACTING President Dr Kembo Mohadi has mourned the death of Brigadier General Mathias Tizirai Ngarava, who has since been declared a national hero, saying the nation has lost a disciplined and committed soldier who fought resolutely for the country’s Independence.
His contribution before and after Independence, said Dr Mohadi, demonstrated selfless love for one’s country, which should be emulated by all Zimbabweans.
“I received the sad news of the passing on of Brigadier General (Rtd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava with a very heavy heart and deep sorrow,” said the Acting President.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa, the Party, ZANU PF, Government, my family and on my behalf, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ngarava family on this, their saddest loss. We stand and mourn with the family during this difficult time.”
Early yesterday morning, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere conveyed the message and letter of conferment of national hero status on Brigadier General Ngarava at his Mapako Phase 2 home in Chinhoyi.
Dr Muswere was accompanied by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also a Zanu PF Politburo member and Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo.
“I bear a message coming from the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Mnangagwa,” said Dr Muswere.
“His Excellency and First Secretary of Zanu PF Dr ED Mnangagwa, has conferred a National Hero Status to the late Cde Brigadier General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava. He was a freedom fighter and also a soldier after independence.”
He said an inter-ministerial committee led by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage would work closely with the family to prepare for the burial of the national hero.
Mashonaland West province and the family welcomed the conferment of national hero status on Brigadier General.
Politburo member Cde Ziyambi said the province had been honoured by having one of its own cadres accorded national hero status. “As Mashonaland West Province, we would like to thank President Mnangagwa for recognising our own son, Cde Ngarava,” he said.
Minister Chombo conveyed her message of condolence to the family.
Representing the family, the national hero’s son, Emmanuel Ngarava, expressed gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon his father.
“As the Ngarava family, we would like to thank President Mnangagwa for honouring our father. We welcome the recognition,” he said.
Brig Gen Ngarava, whose Chimurenga name was Elias Chimurenga, abandoned his secondary education in October 1976 to join the liberation struggle together with four of his schoolmates.
He risked life and limb while crossing into Mozambique through the wildlife-infested Gonarezhou National Park.
After demonstrating discipline and dedication, he was sent to Syria for military training in 1979, where he was deployed to Gaza Province, Sector 4, upon completion. Brig Gen Ngarava bravely operated in the area until the attainment of Independence in 1980.
Brigadier General Ngarava was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army in February 1981 as a sergeant and later selected to undertake the basic officers course in 1982.
He was commissioned as a lieutenant upon completing the course.
Brig Gen Ngarava undertook various military courses leading to his elevation from the rank of lieutenant in 1982, up to his promotion as brigadier general in 2023, the rank he held when he retired from active service in March last year.
He received several awards owing to his immense military contribution during the liberation struggle and conduct as a selfless, dedicated, exemplary, loyal and competent soldier.
“He will be fondly remembered for consistently defending the Nation’s ideals before and after independence. In recognition of his immense contribution to the Great Republic of Zimbabwe, the Zanu PF Politburo agreed to accord him the status of National Hero. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said Dr Mohadi.
