Former freedom fighters pay tribute to ex-ZPRA Chigudu

Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter

FORMER freedom fighters have described the late National Hero, Cde Tinaye Chigudu as a man of peace, humility and respect, who carried himself with dignity both as a leader and a comrade. 

In separate interviews the former freedom fighters said Cde Chigudu was an astute revolutionary.

Former ZPRA Chief of Military Intelligence, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Abel Mazinyane said Cde Chigudu served with distinction within the Zapu’s military wing as an intelligence officer.

“He served before us after receiving military training in North Korea with the likes of David ‘Sharpshoot’ Moyo and Lazarus Dhlakama. He worked with now National Hero, Dumiso Dabengwa and Gibson Mayisa in the intelligence department,” said Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mazinyane.

“As an intelligence officer he was assigned a risky mission to Harare then Salisbury where he was captured after being sold out by his contact. At the time of his death we were serving together in the War Veterans Board and his contributions during our meetings were excellent. As a former Permanent Secretary in Government he was a fountain of knowledge in a number of areas.”

Another former ZPRA combatant, Major-General (Rtd) Sibangumuzi Khumalo Khumalo recounted his interactions with Cde Chigudu, painting a picture of a man who deeply respected his subordinates and superiors alike. 

Although Maj-Gen (Rtd) Khumalo never crossed paths with Cde Chigudu during the liberation struggle, their paths converged in the post-independence era. 

The two worked closely in Manicaland Province, where Maj-Gen (Rtd) Khumalo served as the Commander of 3 Brigade, while Cde Chigudu was the Governor of Manicaland. 

“Cde Chigudu was a man of peace, a unifier, and a leader who led by example,” Maj-Gen (Rtd) Khumalo said. 

“He respected everyone, regardless of their position. Whether you were his subordinate or a senior official, Cde Chigudu treated you with the same level of dignity and respect. That was the mark of his character.” 

Maj-Gen (Rtd) Khumalo highlighted the late hero’s commitment to development and peace in Manicaland Province, recalling how Cde Chigudu worked tirelessly to foster unity and progress in the region. 

“He was not just a leader in title; he was a leader in action. He believed in dialogue, collaboration, and putting the people first. His door was always open, and he listened to everyone’s concerns,” he said. 

The retired Major-General also praised Cde Chigudu’s ability to balance his roles as a political leader and a comrade-in-arms. 

“Even though we came from different backgrounds him as a political leader and me as a military officer we shared a common goal: to serve the people of Zimbabwe. 

“Cde Chigudu understood the importance of harmony between the military and civilian leadership, and he always ensured that we worked together for the greater good.” 

Cde Chigudu was born on August 13, 1942. He had his early education at Chigudu School, Cyrene Mission and Harare Secondary School where he was expelled in 1964 because of his political activism.

He left the country in 1964 and went to Zambia under Zapu. He then trained guerilla warfare in the Democratic Republic of Korea as a ZPRA cadre. 

Upon his return he was deployed in the country as an intelligence officer. In May 1965, he was captured and detained in Gonakudzingwa, Gweru and finally Whawha.

He was in detention for 12 years and was released in 1977 and exiled. He went to the UK and was enrolled at Exeter University where he studied law between 1978 and 1981.

On coming home, he joined the civil service, first as under Secretary (Legal Affairs) Ministry of Transport from 1981. He was appointed Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs and then Permanent Secretary in the same Ministry from 1994 to 2004.

He later became Permanent Secretary for Mines and Mining Development from 2004 to 2005. He was then appointed Governor and Resident Minister of Manicaland in 2005 and retired in 2008.

He is the former Zanu-PF provincial chairman of Manicaland and worked as a senior consultant under the United Nations Development Programme to structure the Ministry of Interior for South Sudan. 

At the time of his death, he was farming in Makoni District.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs Esther Chigudu and seven children.

Mourners are gathered at Number 9, Belsize Close, Northwood, Mount Pleasant in Harare.