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Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Correspondent
Liberation war hero Cde John Munodawafa ‘Gwindingwi’ Gwitira was yesterday (Sunday) laid to rest in Chimanimani District Heroes Acre at Nyanyadzi.
The late comrade, whose war name was Cde Gwindingwi, passed away on Wednesday last week at the age of 72.
Cde Gwindingwi joined the liberation struggle in 1975 and stayed at Itumbi Camp, being later transferred to Mgagao Camp in Tanzania where he received his military training.
At Independence, he joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe as an Operations Training Commander and Flight Technical Officer.
In 1992, he became the director of Manicaland Development Association responsible for socio-economic development and farmed at Laverstock Farm in Mutasa.
Speaking during the burial, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and Manicaland Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said Cde Gwitira was a courageous and patriotic cadre who was proud of being African.
“He was a loving person who had love for everyone. He was a beloved son in Chimanimani and beyond as he contributed to the liberation struggle of this nation. He is part of Zimbabwe’s history and that should be chronicled and documented.
“Cde Gwitira was a lot of people’s source of inspiration and it is evidenced by the number of people here. The multitudes you see have come from across the country to bury him because he was a smart man who was humble, full of wisdom and loved his country. I trust that his widow, Monica Gwitira, will continue to get support from friends and family and we pray that the Lord will continue to give her strength and hope to move on from this dark hour.”
Sen Mutsvangwa went on to preach unity among war veterans, and urged those present to shun division and factionalism.
“Let us unite as war veterans as we did during the liberation struggle. We fought for this nation, and many of us died but that did not deter us from our goal of attaining our freedom. We should shun factionalism as it undermines what we fought for,” she said.
Zimbabwe War Veterans Association Chairperson and Zanu-PF party spokesperson Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa expressed his profound condolences to the Gwitira family stating that Cde Gwitira’s death was a huge blow and an irreplaceable loss not only to the Gwitira family but to the party and the nation at large.
“It is sad that one of our fellow cadres who fought for the liberation of this country has passed on. It however, is my hope that his principles and dedication, hard work and loyalty will continue to guide you.
“He fought for the opportunities that you and I are enjoying today in a free Zimbabwe. said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.
Cde Gwitira’s participation in the liberation struggle was unquestionable and so President Mnangagwa, the Government and party saw it befitting to accord him liberation war hero status.
The late Cde Gwitira’s sister, Petudzai Gwitira, described thanked family and friends for giving her brother a befitting burial and described him as a hero within his family and within the nation.
“He earned being called a hero for his works within the family and towards the development of the nation and proved it. We want to thank the Lord because of my brother’s life.
“Ever since our father died in 2009, he has been the family head and has been protecting us. His loss is not only felt by us as a family, but by the nation at large. My brother lived a life in which he struggled for this country so that everyone had a comfortable life.
“Thank you family and friends for taking your time to come from across the world to lay our beloved father, brother and husband. Thank you for your love,” she said.
Online Reporter