Moffat Mungazi
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
THE Chiendambuya community was left reeling in shock and grief as the news of Cde Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu’s passing away spread like a seismic wave through the villages and towns he had tirelessly served.
A pillar of strength, guiding light, and steadfast champion of the people, his demise left an unfillable void in the hearts of those who knew him.
His roots ran deep in the community, nourished by a lifetime of selfless dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of others.
As the community came to terms with the loss of their beloved son, father, and leader, they could not help, but rue the day he left them, remembering his infectious laughter, wise counsel, and generous spirit, which had touched countless lives, and left an indelible mark on the community he loved and served.
The village elders, who had sought his guidance and wisdom, mourned the loss of a trusted friend and confidant.
The women, who had benefited from his empowerment initiatives, wept for the man who had given them a voice and a chance to thrive.
The youth, who had drawn inspiration from his stories of resilience and courage, felt lost without the guidance of their beloved mentor.
Cde Chigudu (83), was buried at the National Heroes’ Acre on Monday.
As President Mnangagwa aptly described him, Cde Chigudu was “a fountain of wisdom” who offered sound counsel and advice, drawing from his vast experience and institutional memory.
He was revered as a shrewd intelligence officer who played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, gathering critical information that assisted freedom fighters’ operations, and spearheading various development projects in Manicaland, including water development, tailoring, and women empowerment programmes.
He was also recognised for his leadership roles in which he served as Manicaland Provincial Governor, Permanent Secretary in various ministries, and ZANU PF provincial chairman.
On personal qualities, Cde Chigudu was described as a forthright, unwavering, and goal-oriented person who was humble, friendly, non-selective and generous.
Born on August 13, 1942, Cde Chigudu’s journey was marked by bravery, dedication, and a commitment to the liberation of Zimbabwe.
He did his early education at Chigudu Primary School in Chiendambuya, Cyrene Mission and Harare Secondary School where he was expelled in 1964 because of his political activism.
He left the country in 1964 and went to Zambia under ZAPU, and then trained guerrilla warfare in the Democratic Republic of Korea as a ZIPRA cadre.
Upon his return, he was deployed in the country as an intelligence officer.
In May 1965, he was captured and detained in Gonakudzingwa, Gweru and finally Whawha, for 12 years, and was released in 1977 and exiled to the UK.
He enrolled at Exeter University and studied Law between 1978 and 1981.
On returning home, he joined the civil service, first as under-secretary (Legal Affairs) Ministry of Transport from 1981.
He was appointed Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, and then Permanent Secretary in the same ministry from 1994 to 2004.
He later became Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development from 2004 to 2005, before being appointed Governor and Resident Minister of Manicaland in 2005, and retired in 2008.
He was the former ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, and worked as senior consultant under UNDP to structure the Ministry of Interior for South Sudan.
Headman Tangai Chiendambuya hailed him for championing development in the area during his tenure as the Governor.
“This honour (National Hero) is testament to the fact that we had people from Chiendambuya who contributed immensely to the liberation and development of the country.
“He served as a shrewd intelligence officer, leading to his arrest and spending 12 years in jail. We are happy as the Nyati clan that his toil and sweat did not go to waste. We are most grateful as the Chiendambuya community because he was one of the first people to provide water in this community as well as catering for orphans, sending them to school and spearheading women empowerment,” he said.
War veteran, Cde Cosmas Chiringa, who worked with him when he was the Governor and ZANU PF provincial chairman, described him as a forthright, unwavering and goal-oriented person.
“I had the privilege of working with Cde Chigudu as a District Administrator, ZANU PF provincial secretary for administration, and politician. Together, we drove development in Manicaland and strengthened ZANU PF’s presence.
He was a straightforward and forthright individual who would not tolerate nonsense, whether in politics or otherwise. Through our interactions, I found him to be knowledgeable, understanding, and possessing wealth of political experience. His dedication to ZANU PF was evident, and his impressive background — having completed military training in North Korea by 1968 — spoke to his remarkable journey. To his loved ones and those who knew him, I urge you to emulate his achievements and preserve his legacy,” said Cde Chiringa.
Another war veteran, Cde Nation Chiororo Madongorere said Cde Chigudu was a fearless and uncompromising individual who stood by his principles.
The two met in Zambia during the liberation struggle, with Cde Madongorere in ZANLA and Cde Chigudu in ZIPRA, which together formed the Patriotic Front.
Cde Madongorere said his result-oriented approach led to his appointment as Permanent Secretary in two ministries and Governor of Manicaland.
Their friendship and working relationship continued in Zimbabwe, particularly in 2008 when Cde Chigudu, as ZANU PF provincial chairman, supported Cde Madongorere’s bid to contest in Makoni West.
He cherished Cde Chigudu’s humble nature, moderate temperament, and unwavering commitment to his principles.
Cde Chigudu’s brother, Mr Newton Chigudu said the family was grateful for the National Hero status accorded to his brother.
He said the family lost a gallant fighter, father figure, caring father and unifier.
“I am the youngest of the five boys in our family. My brother was an extraordinary individual — a father figure who unified our family and helped many people.
“He was a caring and generous person who uplifted numerous family members, including my daughter. I would like to thank President Mnangagwa for honouring him as a National hero. We are grateful for the chiremerera (respect).
Our brother’s involvement in politics began at a young age, and we are elated by this recognition,” said Mr Chigudu.
Mr Look Manyara from Chiendambuya expressed gratitude to Government for allowing them to mourn their National hero.
“Sekuru Chigudu was deeply committed to his community, and would attend every community funeral. He was passionate about development, and we are grateful for the opportunity to bid him farewell,” he said.
Cde Chigudu’s sister, Mrs Ever Stella Mutenje, thanked President Mnangagwa for honouring her brother, who was imprisoned in Gweru when he was in Form Two.
“We are overjoyed by this recognition. After his 12-year detention, he pursued Law studies in the UK. We are thrilled that his body was brought back home, and the community turned out in full force to pay their respects,” she added.
Mrs Mutenje also highlighted her family’s history of fighting against the settler regime, with four of her siblings being arrested and detained.
Another villager, Mrs Eve Manyara thanked Cde Chigudu for driving women’s empowerment projects in Chiendambuya, including tailoring initiatives.
ZANU PF provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza said Cde Chigudu paved his way as party leader, adding that a lot happened during his tenure, but was able to unite and lead the party to victory.
War veteran, Cde Sendekera Musendo described him as a valued advisor and mentor.
He decried that Cde Chigudu’s passing on was, not only a loss to his family, but also to the war veterans’ community, highlighting the poignant reality that “there are no war veterans that are being born, we are dying every day.”
Cde Shadreck Chipanga said Cde Chigudu was more than a friend to him.
“Working in Government together, the salary was not enough, but we would take each other out for lunch. He took over from me as the ZANU PF provincial chairman. We have never crossed paths. He would always counsel when I was about to lose track,” he said as he broke down before completing his speech.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said Cde Chigudu’s legacy extends beyond his impressive career.
“Here lies an intelligence supremo, astute legal mind, revered public servant who worked at the apex of the public service structure as a Permanent Secretary and wise politician whose political wisdom saw him serve as the Governor for Manicaland — a position that I now serve. Sitting behind the chair that he used to sit, I now know too well what he has had to deal with on a daily basis — ensuring that the people of Manicaland are served well,” he said.
Online Reporter