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Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
Cde Jaison Chirinda yesterday became the 182nd hero to be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre at a ceremony marked by patriotic fervour.
In addition to the 182 heroes buried at the National Shrine, there are several others interred elsewhere, having been bestowed with the highest honour in death for selfless service to their motherland.
The first heroes to be buried at the National Heroes Acre included Cde Herbert Chitepo, Cde Jason Moyo, Cde George Silundika, Cde Josiah Magama Tongogara and Cde Leopold Takawira who were reburied after their remains were exhumed from their original graves.
Yesterday, politicians, businesspeople, diplomats, senior Government officials, the Chirinda family, relatives and friends thronged the national shrine to witness the National Hero’s burial, demonstrating the impact his life and legacy.
The Zanu PF faithful were in full force, leading the gallery in song and dance that echoed through the sacred National Shrine.
The military, resplendent in their uniforms, also turned out in force to honour the fallen hero. President Mnangagwa, who presided over the burial received a thunderous welcome.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Vice President Kembo Mohadi, along with service chiefs, preceded the President’s arrival.
Cde Chirinda’s family, dressed in sombre black, wore faces etched with grief as they bade farewell to their loved one.
Diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe were also in attendance, paying respects to the national hero.
In accordance with his Apostolic sect’s customs, a member of the sect delivered an opening religious teaching, followed by a prayer at the start of the burial proceedings.
Tendai Dzumbunu, a family representative, poignantly described Cde Chirinda as a courageous man who led an exemplary life.
“He left an indelible mark on our hearts and in the history of Zimbabwe.”
Mashonaland Central Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christoper Magomo described Cde Chirinda’s death as a huge loss.
“The late comrade was a man who served the country well during the liberation struggle. He sacrificed and worked wholeheartedly for the country’s liberation; he was also very active in the party. His death is a loss, we have lost an advisor and now all we can say is ‘rest in peace’,” he said.
Minister Magomo also expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the Zanu PF Politburo for conferring national hero status on Cde Chirinda.
Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Monica Mavhunga said Cde Chirinda was a unifier who was always ready to proffer sound advice when called upon.
“He was a person who was full of love and most of all he was a unifier.
“I remember there was a time when I wanted to contest to become an MP in Bindura and I had done my ground work, but Cde Kenneth Musanhi also wanted that position, then he advised me to leave it and instead become a Senator,” she said.
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