Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
ZANU PF Manicaland has submitted a recommendation to the Politburo to honour the late Cde Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu as a national hero in recognition for his significant contributions during and after the liberation war.
Manicaland was plunged into deep mourning following the death of Cde Chigudu in Harare on Wednesday evening. He was (83).
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza yesterday (Thursday) confirmed the latest development, saying the Politburo will review their recommendation, and if approved, Cde Chigudu will be declared a national hero by President Mnangagwa.
National hero status is a prestigious honour bestowed upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation and development.
Cde Chigudu was a shrewd politician, who served as ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman and in various public service with distinction.
“The passing of the former provincial chairman is a tremendous loss to both the province and the nation. His demise comes closely after the loss of another former provincial chairman, making his absence even more deeply felt.
“Notably, we have submitted a recommendation to the Politburo to honour him as a national hero, in recognition of his significant contributions during the liberation war and beyond.
“The provincial party leadership unanimously agreed to make this request, and we are optimistic about its success. The late Cde Chigudu held several prominent positions, including former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, former Governor of Manicaland Province, former ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, and was a decorated war veteran,” said Cde Mukodza.
Cde Mukodza described Cde Chigudu as a fountain of wisdom, and cadre who offered wise counsel and advice on conducting party business, drawing from his own experiences.
“This is a huge loss, and I repeat, he was someone who offered wise counsel and advice whenever we faced challenges. He was someone I would tap into for his experience, and his passing on has left a gap that will be difficult to fill,” said Cde Mukodza.
The late Cde Chigudu’s story is one of remarkable courage and resilience.
As one of the first combatants trained in North Korea under ZIPRA, the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), he played a significant role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
His bravery was further demonstrated when he operated as an intelligence officer in the then Salisbury, despite the risks.
Unfortunately, his efforts were eventually discovered, leading to his capture and detention for 12 long years.
In a surprising turn of events, the Rhodesian Forces deported Cde Chigudu to Britain, fearing that if he was reunited with his fellow comrades in Rhodesia or Zambia, he would continue to fuel the liberation movement. The drastic measure underscores the significant threat he posed to the Rhodesian regime.
Cde Chigudu, who has been unwell for some time, was described as a unifier and man of the people by family members and political friends.
Family spokesperson and brother, Cde Edgar Chigudu said the family has lost a pillar of strength who consistently advocated for unity.
He said Cde Chigudu left a huge void that will be difficult to fill. “He was born on August 13, 1942 in Makoni District. He is survived by his wife, three children, and grandchildren. He was among the first group of cadres who underwent training in North Korea in 1964. Upon his return, he was deployed in Salisbury as an intelligence officer.
“He was arrested in 1965, and detained for 12 years at Gweru, later being transferred to Hwahwa Prison. He was jailed at the age of 23, and released at 35. After his release, he was deported to the United Kingdom, and while there he enrolled at a university and studied law, completing his studies in 1981.
“Upon his return home, he joined the Ministry of Transport as Assistant Secretary, later rising to Under Secretary. He then moved to the Ministry of Home Affairs as Deputy Secretary and was later promoted to Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs, serving in this role for a long time.
“He was subsequently transferred to become Permanent Secretary for Mines, from which position he retired from the civil service. Following his retirement, he was appointed Governor of Manicaland Province. The family has lost a pillar of strength and wisdom. Tinaye was a very consultative person when it comes to family issues. He ensured that every person was heard, keeping the family united at all times. He possessed exceptional leadership qualities and innovative ideas. This is a significant loss to the family,” said Cde Chigudu.
His close ally and fellow war veteran, Cde Shadreck Tongesayi Chipanga, a ZANU PF Central Committee member, described Cde Chigudu as a straightforward leader who valued ethics and hard work.
“We met during the war, with Cde Chigudu serving with ZIPRA and myself with ZANLA, we worked well together. Our relationship strengthened upon discovering we shared the same district. He was resolute in fighting the colonial regime to liberate his motherland. After independence, we both joined the civil service, working in different ministries.
“Cde Chigudu was a straightforward person who ensured things were done properly and openly. As Governor of Manicaland and ZANU PF party provincial chairman, he proved to be a competent leader. His tenure saw remarkable progress and unity in the party. He never believed in shortcuts. His passing on is a huge loss for us,” said Cde Chipanga.
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