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Today, the nation comes together to honour and remember two esteemed national heroes during their funeral at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
The funeral will not only serve as a farewell but also as a celebration of the legacies left behind by Cde Walter Basopo and Brigadier-General (Retired) Victor Rungani, reflecting on their impact on society.
This is an opportunity for everyone to pay their respects and join in the mourning and celebration of life.
Our Reporters Farai Dauramanzi and Wallace Ruzvidzo will provide live coverage of the burials, while Believe Nyakudjara and Wilson Kakurira will provide the pictures and videos.
Join us in giving the national heroes a befitting send-off.
The funeral will not only serve as a farewell but also as a celebration of the legacies left behind by Cde Walter Basopo and Brigadier-General (Retired) Victor Rungani, reflecting on their impact on society.
This is an opportunity for everyone to pay their respects and join in the mourning and celebration of life.
Cde Basopo, sacrifice and patriotism personified
One of the most seasoned war veterans and former CIO director, Cde Walter Basopo, died on Tuesday, 22nd April, having only retired two months ago.
Officers in the President’s Office have described Cde Basopo as a true patriot and a gallant hero.
Passing away at the age of 66, Cde Basopo had served his country without question.
Known by his Chimurenga name, Garry Dzasukwa, he was born on February 23, 1959, in Gutu District, Masvingo.
His brother, Mr Brain Miriri, said Cde Bhasopo was a unifier who would help family members.
“As a family, we have lost a strong pillar who was reliable and prepared to help everyone,” said Mr Miriri.
Provincial intelligence officer, Mr Godwin Mungate said Cde Basopo excelled in fighting for the country and upholding its security after the attainment of independence.
“He was a results-oriented man who was dedicated to the execution of his duties. He also taught us that our job is to protect the country. When it came to the protection of the country, he was uncompromising and expected nothing less from us,” said Mr Mungate.
Brigadier-General (Retired) Victor Chikudo Rungani, an astute leader
Retired Brigadier-General Victor Chikudo Rungani, a respected figure in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 76.
He died at Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Waterfalls, Harare, following a brief illness.
Brigadier-General (Retired) Rungani, who once served as the director of the ZNA’s Engineering Military Equipment Directorate, was an influential military leader whose contributions were crucial in the development and maintenance of the army’s engineering capabilities.
His passing has left a void in both military and business circles.
Minister of State for National Security, Lovemore Matuke, described Brigadier-General (Retired) Rungani as an astute leader who, after his retirement, became an active member of the Masvingo Business Association. In that capacity, the national hero played a key role in shaping policies aimed at making Masvingo a thriving business hub.
Family spokesperson, Professor Ellen Rungani, said her father succumbed to chest pains.
Reflecting on his life, she described him as a unifier and a person of integrity.
“Besides his military service, my father was also a farmer and businessman. He always prioritised his country and family, and we will miss him greatly,” Prof Rungani said.
Zimbabwe bids farewell to gallant heroes
Thousands of people from the country’s 10 provinces have gathered at the National Heroes Acre in Harare for the burial of Brigadier-General (Rtd) Victor Rungani and former CIO director, Cde Walter Basopo.
President Mnangagwa will preside over the burial.
Cabinet Ministers, Zanu PF officials, service chiefs and senior Government officials are expected to attend.
Cabinet Ministers have started arriving at the National Heroes Acre
Big loss for Masvingo Province
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira says the province has lost two illustrious sons who worked hard to develop the province and the country.
Speaking in an interview at the National Heroes Acre, Minister Chadzamira bemoaned the loss.
“The loss of these two comrades, Cde Basopo and Brigadier-General (Retired) Rungani, is a significant loss to Masvingo Province as they played a massive role in the country’s liberation.
“After independence, they also played a considerable role in the development of the province and the country through supporting Vision 2030,” he said.
Minister of State for National Security Lovemore Matuke, who also hails from Masvingo Province, said the province and t…
President, First Lady arrive
President Mnangagwa and the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the double burial of national heroes Cde Basopo and Brigadier-General (Retired) Rungani.
The bodies of the two national heroes arrived earlier.
Official proceedings have now started.
Burial proceedings begin
The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is the acting Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, is the director of the ceremony.
He introduces representatives from the Rungani family, Professor Ellen Rungani, to give remarks.
Brig-Gen Rungani was our pillar of strength
Rungani family representative, Professor Ellen Rungani says Brig-Gen (Rtd) Rungani was a pillar of strength for the family.
She says the national hero was a loving father who took good care of the family.
“His legacy lives in the values he instilled in us, showing love and kindness to each other.”
She concludes by paying gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the Government for bestowing national hero status on her father.
Minister Ziyambi calls Mr Gratian Mashandika, nephew to Cde Basopo, to give remarks on behalf of the family.
We are grateful for the support: Basopo family
Mr Mashandika starts by paying tribute to the Government for granting national hero status to Cde Basopo.
“We have received unwavering support from our esteemed party, Zanu PF, and the entire Government. They have been a pillar of strength for us.”
Mr Mashandika pays special tribute to President Mnangagwa for his support during the time when the national hero was ill.
He says Cde Basopo was a thread that held the family together and a beacon of unity for the family.
“A giant tree has fallen in our family, your memory (Cde Basopo) will forever be etched in our hearts,” concludes Mr Mashandika.
‘These two national heroes were dedicated cadres’
In his remarks before inviting the President to the podium, Minister Ziyambi says the two national heroes being laid to rest today were dedicated cadres who stood by the principles of the liberation struggle.
“They managed to save the nation with unwavering commitment and dedication to the country.
“They were exemplary cadres who served with distinction in making sure the country was protected.”
He invites President Mnangagwa to deliver his keynote address.
Brigadier-General (Rtd) Rungani and Cde Basopo served the nation with distinction: President
President Mnangagwa has taken to the podium.
He begins his address by describing the demise of the two national heroes as a loss not only to their respective families but to the country at large.
“We are gathered here at the National Heroes Acre to lay to rest two decorated sons of the soil who served our motherland Zimbabwe with honour and distinction,” he said.
The President chronicled the two national heroes’ journeys before, during and after the liberation struggle.
“These traits must be emulated by the current crop…,” he said.
President Mnangagwa encouraged Zimbabweans to remain united as the country marches towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Today we are enjoying our independence and experiencing sustained economic growth…,” he said.
He said the national development philosophy “nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”, must remain the country’s motivation.
He then called upon the country’s youths to drive the country’s economic growth agenda.
President hands over flags to Rungani, Basopo family representatives
President Mnangagwa has handed over the national flags to representatives of the Rungani and Basopo families.
Handing a flag to the family of a national hero is a symbolic gesture that honours their sacrifice, recognises their legacy, and provides closure and comfort.
It also represents national pride.
Online Reporter