Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
Online Reporter
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has described the late National Hero, Brigadier -General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava, as a disciplined soldier, distinguished patriot and dedicated revolutionary whose life was defined by sacrifice and unwavering service to Zimbabwe.
Addressing mourners at the burial of Brig-Gen (Rtd) Ngarava at the National Heroes Acre today, Dr Chiwenga said the nation had gathered to honour a gallant son of the soil whose passing marked a profound national loss.
“We gather here at the National Heroes Acre to lay to rest a gallant son of Zimbabwe, a distinguished patriot, a disciplined commander and a dedicated revolutionary – Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava,” said the Acting President.
Brig-Gen Ngarava died on Christmas Day, 25 December 2025, at the age of 66.
“He passed on, at the age of 66 on Christmas Day, the 25th of December 2025. His departure, coming as our nation continues to lose veterans of the liberation struggle, constitutes a profound national loss,” Acting President Chiwenga said.
He noted that the country was still mourning the recent burial of another liberation war hero.
“It is barely two weeks since we buried another gallant son of the soil, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mark Charles Chimwaza here at this very shrine. We grieve deeply over these sad losses,” he said.
Acting President Chiwenga extended condolences to the Ngarava family on behalf of President Mnangagwa, Government, Zanu PF and the nation at large.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, our nation, the ruling ZANU PF Party, Government, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Ngarava family and the entire nation,” he said.
He urged the family to take comfort in Brig-Gen Ngarava’s exemplary service.
“May you draw comfort from the knowledge that our departed General was a distinguished military officer whose service and sacrifice shall forever be cherished. He remained focused and steadfast in the face of various threats to our sovereignty. Your loss is our collective loss,” Dr Chiwenga said.
The Acting President traced Brig-Gen Ngarava’s life journey, saying he was born on 27 March 1959, in Chivi District, Masvingo Province, to Ngarava Chipfuwa and Wanzirai Takavingeyi. He was the fifth-born in a family of nine.
He attended Shindi Primary School before proceeding to Berejena Mission for secondary education. In October 1976, after writing his Form Two examinations, he left school to join the liberation struggle.
In December 1976, Brig-Gen Ngarava crossed into Mozambique through the Gonarezhou Game Park, later staying at Chibawawa Refugee Camp before being sent to Syria for military training, where he performed exceptionally well. He was later deployed to Gaza Province, Sector Four, where he operated until Independence in 1980.
Acting President Chiwenga said Brig-Gen Ngarava’s generation was driven not by ambition, but by an obligation to liberate Zimbabwe.
“Brigadier-General Ngarava’s generation did not choose war out of ambition, they were driven by passion and zeal to liberate the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“They confronted land dispossession, economic exclusion and the systematic denial of social and economic dignity. To liberate Zimbabwe was not an option but an obligation. It was a life of sacrifice, resilience, discipline and commitment. Independence was therefore purchased at a huge cost.”
He added that Brig-Gen Ngarava’s participation in peace campaigns in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflected his disciplined approach to regional stability.
“Brigadier-General Ngarava’s participation in the peace campaigns in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo was anchored in a clear strategic objective, the restoration of political stability and the unlocking of sustainable economic growth in those countries,” said Dr Chiwenga.
He said the late general’s ultimate aspiration was to see peace, prosperity and cohesion firmly established in Zimbabwe as a lived reality for every citizen.
