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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu,[email protected]
His passion for education, hard work and generosity to the community are some of the qualities that the family of the late national hero, Major-General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, will remember him for.
The late military icon passed away last Wednesday and will be buried today at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
His cousin, Mr Obert Siziba, said that during his upbringing, the late national hero was a role model not only to his siblings but also to other youngsters in the Nhwali community in Gwanda South.
He noted that the late Maj-Gen (Rtd) Siziba was among the few individuals who defied the odds by excelling in his education during the colonial Bantu Education System, which was designed to restrict black people’s progress.
The late national hero was one of the few young people who secured a place at Manama High School, which was reserved for the academically gifted.
He passed away at the age of 67 at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks Camp Hospital after battling cancer and President Mnangagwa conferred national hero status upon him.
He will be laid to rest today at the National Heroes Acre, alongside former Cabinet Minister Cde Chenhamo Chakedza Chimutengwende.
“Our brother loved school very much and he did well. He used to help us a lot with school and encouraged us to attend classes,” said Mr Siziba.
“We all aspired to be like him. He took many of us under his wing and assisted us with our studies. He attended Nhwali Primary School and did so well that he managed to secure a place at Manama High School, which was reserved for the academically gifted.
“During the school holidays, he would come home and teach us how to speak English. His ability to speak English made him popular among other children in the community, but he never let it go to his head,” he added.
“He remained kind and humble. The education system at the time was designed to disadvantage black people, but despite the obstacles, my brother soared high.”
Mr Bethuel Siziba said the late national hero consistently made an effort to assist not only his immediate family but also the broader family and community whenever he could.
He recalled that last year, hundreds of people were able to obtain birth certificates and national identity cards after his late brother engaged the Registry Department to provide a three-day service at Nhwali High School.
Ms Angelina Dube, another cousin of the late liberation icon, said their family and community gained valuable recognition and status because of Maj-Gen (Rtd) Siziba’s work.
“The lives of many people in our community and family improved because of our late brother’s influence. He encouraged people to pursue education or engage in livelihood projects that could improve their well-being,” she said.
“We are proud of him as a family, as we are now recognised and have been elevated because of his good and influential works.
“The Nhwali community has also gained prominence and has experienced significant development due to his efforts. We will always remember him and remain grateful.”
The late Maj-Gen (Rtd) Siziba attended Nhwali Primary School before proceeding to Manama High School in 1976, where he began Form One.
The following year, he joined the armed struggle from school alongside the now-late national hero, Lt-Gen Sibusiso Busi Moyo, Beitbridge East MP Albert Nguluvhe, former Airforce Commander Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Elson Moyo and former Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) public relations manager Mrs Cecilia Bhebhe, among other cadres.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Siziba underwent military training in Zambia and, during the ceasefire, was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
He was stationed at the Zimbabwe Military Academy, where he rose to the rank of Captain. He was later transferred to ZNA Headquarters, where he worked until 2005, rising to the position of Lieutenant-Colonel. He was posted to Botswana as Defence Attaché from 2005 to 2013, based at the Zimbabwean Embassy.
Upon his return to Zimbabwe in 2013, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Siziba was appointed Deputy Commander of One Brigade following his promotion to Colonel. From 2013 to 2018, he served as Director of Administration at the National Prosecuting Authority.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Siziba rejoined the ZNA in 2018, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and was assigned to the Brigadier-General Inspectorate post, which he held until his retirement last year. Upon his retirement, he was elevated to the rank of Major General.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Siziba is survived by his two children. — @DubeMatutu
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