Online Reporter
*Ronald Mpofu** [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])*
A PLUMTREE businessman and decorated war veteran, Cde Croffat Ndlovu, has been conferred with liberation war hero status following his death at the age of 68.
Cde Ndlovu collapsed at his homestead at Kalanga Farm in Bulilima District at around 6pm on June 20 and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Born on May 4, 1958 in Esigodini, Cde Ndlovu attended Nswazi Primary School where he received his early education before joining the liberation struggle in 1976 after leaving his employment at Bulawayo Art Craft Furniture.
He underwent military training at Malanje in Angola, where he specialised as an Engineering Anti-Air agent.
Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, Cde Ndlovu was integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), where he served from 1981 until his discharge in 1986.
After leaving military service, he ventured into business and established Vukantengane Studios, a photography business in Plumtree that became a well-known establishment in the town.
His entrepreneurial activities later expanded to property development through the establishment of the Vukantengane Complex at Dingumuzi Shopping Centre, which he leased to various tenants.
In the early 2000s, Cde Ndlovu acquired Kalanga Farm in Bulilima District where he dedicated himself to cattle ranching and crop production until his death.
He also remained active in political and veterans’ affairs, serving as ZANU-PF provincial treasurer for Matabeleland South Province between 2001 and 2003.
At the time of his death, he was serving as Vice Chairman for War Veterans in the Bulilima-Mangwe districts.
Family spokesperson Mr Edward Ndlovu described the late liberation war veteran as a dependable family figure who provided support and guidance to relatives.
“Croft was supportive and loved his family. People gained spiritual support from him. We have lost a pillar as a family, and he will forever remain in our hearts,” he said.
Cde Ndlovu is survived by nine children and 20 grandchildren.
He is expected to be laid to rest at Kalanga Farm in Bulilima District on June 26.
