Freedom fighter, broadcaster Chaza dies

Cde Chaza died on Saturday at Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital in Harare. Born on May 14, 1956, Cde Chaza did his primary education at Mbizi Primary School in Highfield and attended St Ignatius College and Nyatsime Secondary School for his secondary education.
According to information released by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, Cde Chaza left for Mozambique in March 1975 as part of the 155 cadres that included the late Gaylord Mao and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Botswana Cde Thomas Mandigora, and Cde Noble Mutsambiwa. This group of 155 cadres went ahead of President Mugabe and the late Cde Edgar Tekere. Before the independence of Mozambique, Cde Chaza stayed at Seguranza base with President Mugabe and the late Cde Tekere.
He later stayed at Junta in Villa Perrie, Nyadzonia and Tembwe where he trained in military and guerilla warfare. He was deployed to Gaza Province in 1976.
In 1979, Cde Chaza was sent to Bucharest in Romania for training in Diplomacy and International Relations.
He returned to Zimbabwe at independence and joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before moving to the then Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation as a sub editor.
Fellow liberation struggle fighters described Cde Chaza as a man who was very courageous and focused. Cde Clifford Rutsate popularly known by his Chimurenga name as Cde Sando said he was one of the 155 cadres who left for training in Mozambique.
“Cde Chaza was a dedicated fighter who never looked back. We were together during training and we soldiered on in Mozambique during the transitional government era,” said Cde Sando. Cde Chaza is survived by three children, Wadzanayi, Chamunorwa and Rufaro.
Mourners are gathered at house number 4486, Main Street, Highfield, Harare.
Funeral arrangements will be advised later.