Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
THIS week’s passing on of Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Cosmas Chiringa, a titan of the liberation struggle, has left an indelible void in the hearts of many.
A stalwart of the revolution, Cde Chiringa’s life was a testament to unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and unshakeable commitment to the cause of freedom.
From the sun-swept training grounds of Mozambique when he joined the war in 1975, Tanzania and to the rugged hills of Romania, he endured the gruelling rigors of combat, honing his skills as a fearless war commissar, inspiring his comrades to fight for a brighter future.
As the winds of independence swept across Zimbabwe, Cde Chiringa seamlessly transitioned into the corridors of power, serving with distinction in various capacities.
His stewardship as Makoni and Mutare District Administrator and later as Provincial Administrator for Manicaland and Mashonaland Central, showcased his administrative prowess, earning him the respect of colleagues and constituents alike.
His ascension to the role of Permanent Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, was a testament to his unyielding energy and expertise.
A key player in the ZANU PF hierarchy, Cde Chiringa’s tenure as Manicaland provincial secretary for administration, then under the watchful eye of national secretary, Cde Didymus Mutasa, who was the then undisputed godfather of Manicaland, was marked by unflinching loyalty and unwavering resolve.
His contributions to the ruling party and Government are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
The nation mourns the loss of a true patriot, selfless servant, and shining example of courage and conviction.
Cde Chiringa’s name will forever be etched in the annals of Zimbabwe’s history, a shining star that will continue to guide and inspire.
As a man who presided over the land reform programme in Makoni and Mutare, prime farming districts in the province, Cde Chiringa’s tenure was a masterclass in tact and diplomacy.
With the deftness of a tightrope walker, he navigated the treacherous terrain of land redistribution, circumventing potential flashpoints with astute vigour and wit.
In a district (Makoni) renowned for its fertile soils and coveted farmlands, Cde Chiringa’s leadership was a beacon of hope, as he worked tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of the programme reached the intended beneficiaries.
His approach was characteristically friendly, accessible, and listening, earning him the trust and admiration of many.
With a warm smile and an open ear, he helped countless individuals and families realise their dream of owning a piece of land, positively impacting lives in Manicaland and Mashonaland Central provinces.
His legacy in Manicaland will forever be remembered as a testament to the power of gentle, yet firm leadership, where the needs of the many outweighed personal ambition.
Sometime in 2010, The Manica Post caught up with Cde Chiringa, as he recounted his remarkable journey with unyielding passion and conviction.
A mere 15-year-old when he heeded the call to take up arms in 1975, Cde Chiringa’s eyes sparkled with nostalgia as he recalled leaving St Mary’s High in Nyanga, where he was doing Form Two, to join the fight for freedom.
“What propelled me into the crucible of war was the potent propaganda material we received at school. Weekly magazines, detailing the daring exploits of Kid Marong’orong’o in Mashonaland Central, ignited a fire within me.
“The message, crafted to deter us, had the opposite effect – it beckoned me to join the struggle,” he said, with an unwavering gaze as he recounted his journey to Mozambique, where he underwent rigorous military training at Chimoio – a true baptism by fire.
“After the training, I immersed myself in commissariat work, wielding words as my mighty rifle and ideas as my lethal bullets,” he said, his voice imbued with pride.
As a young commissar, barely 17, Cde Chiringa played a pivotal role in galvanising his fellow comrades, educating them on the politics of the struggle and fuelling their resolve to fight for a free Zimbabwe.
Further training in Tanzania beckoned, and at the age of 17, Cde Chiringa was appointed regiment political commissar, a testament to his burgeoning leadership skills.
“I commanded a regiment of over 1 000 brave souls, ranking third in the provincial hierarchy,” he recalled, his eyes gleaming with responsibility.
“My mission was to inculcate politics into our training, alongside my Swahili-speaking comrades, and inspire our troops to fight for a brighter future.”
A highlight of his journey was the electrifying pass-out parade attended by the late Cde Julius Mwalimu Nyerere, Cde Josiah Magama Tongogara, and former President Robert Mugabe, where he and his fellow trainees showcased their mettle.
Cde Chiringa’s subsequent deployment to the Musikavanhu Sector in Manica Province saw him leading propaganda units, educating people on the politics of the struggle, and playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the war.
“I remained in the bush, with a sacred mandate to educate people on politics, and empower them to claim their rightful place in a free Zimbabwe.
“I taught them about the elections, the power of the ballot, and the promise of a new dispensation. I was the voice of ZANU PF, articulating our manifesto and igniting hope in the hearts of our people.”
In 1981, the fledgling nation of Zimbabwe beckoned Cde Cosmas Chiringa to embark on a new chapter in his remarkable journey, as he was selected to undergo a prestigious course in military battalion and brigade command in Romania.
“The echoes of war had barely faded, but the call to serve had not diminished,” he recalled, his voice imbued with a sense of duty.
Upon his return in 1982, Cde Chiringa was confronted with the harsh realities of integration, as the British-led process sought to mould the disparate factions into a cohesive force.
“Romania was a socialist bastion, and our training had been steeped in the ethos of the revolution. The British were at the helm, and they seemed reluctant to accommodate those of us who had been trained in socialist countries,” he said.
With a deep breath, Cde Chiringa recounted the frustration that followed, as he and his fellow comrades were relegated to junior roles, despite their advanced training.
“We had envisioned ourselves as lieutenant colonels, at the very least. Instead, we were dispatched to barracks, tasked with training junior officers. It was a rude awakening, and we protested, loudly. We were detained, but our voices were not silenced,” he added.
As the dust settled, Cde Chiringa emerged as a champion for war veterans, advocating for recognition and compensation for those who had fought for the nation’s freedom.
“There is no trained war veteran who can say what I did was better than what war collaborators did, because we fought side-by-side.
“Their recognition is also very important. We must guard against people who want to hijack the revolution,” said Cde Chiringa.
As he transitioned into the civil service, Cde Chiringa’s thirst for knowledge remained unquenched.
“In July 1982, I joined the Ministry of Local Government, a new ministry created by the late Cde Eddison Zvobgo. I was deployed to Mutasa, a rural station, where I continued with my education, burning the midnight oil to complete my Ordinary Level and Advanced Level,” he said.
His determination earned him a place at the University of Zimbabwe, where he earned his first degree in 2002, followed by a Master’s in Public Administration.
“I was promoted to District Administrator, not because of my war record, but because of my academic qualifications. To the young generation, I say, keep advancing yourself. The journey is not easy, but it is worth it.”
Cde Chiringa’s remarkable ascent continued, as he assumed the role of Mashonaland Central Provincial Administrator in 2015, and the Permanent Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, a position he held until his untimely death.
Close friend and fellow war veteran, Cde Alex Shumba, reminisces about a man who embodied humility and compassion.
“Cde Chiringa was a gentle giant, whose simplicity and accessibility knew no bounds.
“He was a man of the people, who wore his heart on his sleeve, and his office was always open to those in need, said Cde Shumba, recalling their time in Mozambique, where shared experiences forged an unbreakable bond.
“I witnessed the evolution of a rare individual, who navigated the social divide with ease.
“He was a chameleon, adapting to every situation, yet remaining true to himself. He helped countless individuals, parcelling out land, resolving disputes, and addressing concerns without fear or favour. He was a comrade, colleague, and true friend – irreplaceable and unforgettable,” said Cde Shumba.
Secretary for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Edgar Seenza described Cde Chiringa as a development-oriented administrator, driven by a passion to uplift communities.
“He was a servant of the people, who embodied the values of humility and compassion.
“His passing is a loss to our nation, but his legacy will endure, inspiring generations to come,” he said.
His daughter, Mrs Kudakwashe Chiringa-Makazi said they had lost a loving and caring father, who had been there, not only for his family, but for their entire clan.
She said he valued education and hard work, which pushed them to excel in life.
“He was a loving father who was there for us as children. He sacrificed a lot for us to go to school and university. He believed in education. After the war he did his studies through correspondence and had managed to attain two Master’s degrees. He was a man of integrity and a humble man. He was a pillar in the extended family in terms of financial support and guidance. He would approach any situation with calmness,” she said.
Cde Chiringa is survived by his wife, four children and grandchildren.
