Burial of Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya postponed

Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya died at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) on Sunday after a short illness.
He was 63.
The Matabeleland South Zanu-PF provincial leadership has submitted a written application to the party headquarters requesting that Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya be accorded national hero status because of his contribution in the liberation struggle.
Although comment could not be obtained from Zanu-PF secretary for administration, Cde Didymus Mutasa, the party’s chief administrator, Cde Dickson Dzora, said consultations over the issue have not been finalised.
“We are still working on consultations over the issue and when it is confirmed, we will let you know,” said Cde Dzora.
Yesterday a Chronicle news crew visited Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya’s home at Number 830 Mathendele suburb in Plumtree town, where mourners are gathered.
His widow, Julie, who was being comforted by Matabeleland South Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Angeline Masuku and Zanu-PF deputy secretary for women’s affairs, Cde Eunice Sandi Moyo, confirmed the postponement of the burial.
“My husband will be buried on Saturday here in Plumtree. There were sticking points that needed to be ironed out and those have been resolved now,” she said without elaborating.
“He has always complained of stomach problems from the time he was shot by the Rhodesian forces. He was supposed to undergo an operation but the doctors said it was risky to do so because the problem was complicated.
“For the past weeks isisu sasesikhukhumala (his stomach was swelling) and he was having problems with relieving himself.”
Governor Masuku said Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya would be buried at the heroes’ acre for Bulilima and Mangwe districts, which is situated about 18km along Tshankwa Road.
“I concur with what Mrs Ngwenya has said. To us Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya is a very senior man and we believe his seniority will be recognised accordingly. We expect the senior leadership to respect the province’s request to have him declared a national hero,” said Governor Masuku.
“Black swine, as he was affectionately known during the war, is not an ordinary person as he was my commander. He never forgot where he came from and where he was going.
“I worked with him in the province. He was a man who despite any problems, knew his role in the liberation of this country. He was a hard worker who fully supported the modern struggle of bringing economic independence to Zimbabweans.”
Cde Sandi Moyo said the history of the liberation struggle would not be complete without the mention of people such as Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya.
“I was lucky to have worked with him during the liberation struggle. I am one of his recruits from Botswana up to Zambia. He was a jovial yet brave and firm to principle and knew how to deal with difficult situations,” said Cde Sandi Moyo.
“He was a humble man. He was one of the first Zipra cadres to undergo military training with the likes of Cde Kembo Mohadi and worked with illustrious figures such as Cde Akim Ndlovu. He played a critical role in strengthening Zipra forces.
“After retirement, he never left the party like others. He believed in leadership directives from leaders such as the late Dr Joshua Nkomo.”
Senior political leaders from Matabeleland region that included the national chairman, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, Deputy Senate President, Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu, Rtd Col Tshinga Dube and Insiza North House of Assembly Member, Cde Andrew Langa, have roundly described Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya as an outstanding liberation war hero whose liberation credentials cannot be disputed.
Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya was born in Bulilima District under Chief Mpini on 2 February 1948.
He did his primary education at Dombodema Primary School. He proceeded to Inyathi Mission for his secondary education before going to Thekwane Mission where he completed his Ordinary Levels.
In 1963, he worked at Meikles Number Two Store in Hwange as an assistant manager.
Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya joined the liberation struggle at its earliest stages in the 1960s with the likes of the late Cde Solomon Mujuru and Victor Mlambo.
He was sent to Tanzania for military training and stayed there until 1969 when he went back to Zambia.
Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya was chosen to go to Russia for further military training and upon completion, he was deployed at Zipra intelligence headquarters. He escaped a raid by the settler regime in Botswana where Cde Ethan Dube was captured.
Rtd Lt Col Ngwenya was deployed in the Kariba area where his unit was land mined and ambushed by the settler regime forces and he was shot in the stomach and captured.
He, however, escaped and joined other freedom fighters.
He was enlisted into the ZNA and rose through the ranks and was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He retired in 1994.
His wife Julie and four children Siphiwe, Nkululeko, Nokuthula and Patience survive him.