Dark July for Bulawayo as eight liberation war veterans pass on

A DARK cloud hangs over Bulawayo Province following the passing of eight liberation war heroes and heroines in the month of July alone. All were laid to rest separately at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane.

When a liberation war hero or heroine passes away, the ruling party Zanu-PF recommends the individual to the Government for consideration for liberation war hero status.

The highest honour in the land is National Hero Status, conferred by the President upon any deceased citizen who has served the country with distinction, patriotism, loyalty, dedication, and self-sacrifice.

On July 10, Cde Elliot Sibanda passed away at his Lobengula home and was laid to rest four days later. He had left the country in the early 1970s to join the liberation struggle in Zambia and was imprisoned at Khami Prison alongside fellow combatants, including Vice President (Retired Colonel) Kembo Mohadi.

Cde Bruce Mkhwananzi, who died on July 14 2025, was buried two days later. He joined the liberation war in 1977 via Botswana en route to Zambia. After training in Zambia and Angola, he crossed into Zimbabwe on foot with over 60 comrades and operated in the Mlibizi area in Binga and Lupane.

On July 16, Cde Florence Mankosi Chirenda passed away at Mater Dei Hospital, followed by the death of Cde Jabulani Gwayi the next day at Mpilo Central Hospital.

Cde Chirenda, a distinguished war heroine, trained in Zambia before proceeding to Romania to study journalism. She was the widow of National Hero, the late Cde Lt-Col (Rtd) Harold Chirenda — nom-de-guerre Elliot Masengo — who passed away in January 2014 at United Bulawayo Hospitals. Upon returning to Zimbabwe, she worked as a journalist at the Zimbabwe Inter-Africa News Agency (Ziana) in Harare until her retirement.

Cde Jabulani Gwayi, who died on July 17, 2025 at his rural home in Nkayi, was buried three days later. He joined the liberation struggle in 1977 through Botswana at the Selebi-Phikwe Refugee Camp and moved to Zambia the following year.

In 1979, he was among 120 comrades sent to Egypt for further training.

On July 22, another hero, Cde Mangwende Mjaji Madonko, passed away at Mpilo Hospital and was buried two days later.

Born on March 3, 1957 at Manama Mission Hospital in Gwanda, he completed his primary education at Madume Primary School. He joined the liberation struggle in April 1977, crossing into Botswana before proceeding to Zambia.

There, he stayed at Nampundu Camp before undergoing training at Mulungushi Camp and later being deployed to Kafue Camp. After independence, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), was stationed at Rushinga Barracks in Mount Darwin, and retired in 2007.

Another hero, Cde Setukile Moyo, passed away on July 23 at her home in Pumula South and was laid to rest on July 28. She joined the liberation struggle in 1977 and received basic military training in Zambia. After independence, she resumed her education at Fatima High School, completing her studies in 1984.

Yesterday, two more liberators—Cde Malimabi Malemane and Cde Lamson Mguni—passed away at Mpilo Hospital and in Pumula Old suburb, respectively.

Cde Malemane joined the liberation struggle in Zambia in 1977 and operated in the Hwange area, where he sustained injuries. After independence, he joined the ZNA, rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2, and retired in June 2005.

Cde Mguni also joined the struggle in Zambia in 1977 and was selected the following year for military training in Libya. He later joined the army and retired in 1989.

Both Cde Mguni and Cde Malemane will be buried tomorrow (1 August) at the Nkulumane shrine.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube, described July as a particularly sorrowful month for the province.

“Less than a week ago, we buried a liberation hero and heroine at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre on the same day — something that is very unusual but a clear indication that we are losing our comrades at an alarming rate.

“I believe that, as Government, we must prioritise healthcare for our liberation heroes and heroines so they receive the appropriate medical treatment when they fall ill,” said Minister Ncube.