adminChipinge Correspondent
CHIPINGE District last weekend came together to mourn one of their gallant sons, the late Brigadier-General Eliah Bandama, who was declared a national hero and buried at the National Heroes’ Acre yesterday. People from all walks of life thronged the late 3 Infantry Brigade commander’s Clearwater Farm last Saturday to pay their last respects before his body was airlifted to Harare on Sunday where it laid in State at 1 (Zimbabwe)Commando Regiment awaiting burial.
Brig-Gen Bandama’s Chimurenga name was Spins Nhamoyesango.
Mourners described him as a humble leader who accommodated everyone from every sector while others described him as peaceful man and a unifier.
Chipinge District Administrator Mr Edgars Seenza said the district and the nation at large had lost one of the revolutionary cadres who dedicated his life to liberating the country.
He said the passing on of Brig-Gen Bandama left a huge void that would be difficult to fill.
“We are saddened by the passing on of the veteran leader who contributed immensely to the liberation of this country.
“The district will always cherish what he did in defending the country’s sovereignty.
“Brig-Gen Bandama is a person who associated with everyone. He was humble and open-minded. The people of Chipinge are happy by the fact that he was accorded national hero status,” he said.
Member of National of Assembly for Chipinge South Cde Enock Porusingazi said it was sad to lose someone at a time when the nation was still mourning another national hero, Dr Stanley Sakupwanya.
“It is terrible to lose Brig-Gen Bandama a few days after the loss of another national hero, Dr Stanley Sakupwanya, who was buried at the National Heroes’ Acre recently.
“Brig-Gen Bandama was a dedicated leader, a man of peace and tranquillity and his role at district level is credited by denouncing any forms of violence.
“His national hero status symbolises his great contribution in defending the country from external foes.
“The late Brig-Gen Bandama served the country during the struggle for independence and in independent Zimbabwe hence his contributions will forever be remembered,” he said.
Chipinge business community chairperson Mr James Gabaza said the business community was convoying its heartfelt condolences to Brig-Gen Bandama and the nation at large on the loss of a gallant son who was dedicated to serve the country.
“The Chipinge business community wants to convey its heartfelt condolences to the Bandama family, Government and the nation at large on the passing on of a dedicated and principled person whose role in defending the country will forever be cherished,” he said.
The late Brig-Gen Bandama’s young brother, Gaylord Bandama, said the family had lost a torch-bearer.
“The family lost a torch-bearer, a mentor and someone who gave us hope in every family matters.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our mentor,” he said.
Online Reporter