Online Reporter
Mkhululi Sibanda
Bulawayo Bureau
AS multitudes converge on Maphisa Town in Matobo District today for the 46th Independence Day celebrations, led by President Mnangagwa, we reflect on the distinguished National Heroes whose roots lie in Matabeleland South, the host province of this year’s main celebrations.
This selection is not exhaustive, the province produced a formidable generation of men and women who made immense sacrifices for Zimbabwe’s liberation.
Their contributions cut across the nationalist divide, spanning both Zanu and Zapu, underscoring Matabeleland South’s central role in the country’s struggle for independence.
Below is a curated roll of honour compiled by Sunday News Assistant Editor Mkhululi Sibanda.
DR JOSHUA MQABUKO NYONGOLO NKOMO
Dr Nkomo, Zimbabwe’s late Vice-President, stands as a towering figure in the country’s liberation history. Revered as “Father Zimbabwe, Umdala Wethu and Chibwechitedza”, he commanded national respect across political and regional lines. Born on 7 June 1917 in Matobo District, Nkomo was the son of Thomas Nyongolo Nkomo, a respected community leader and lay preacher. A founding nationalist, he led ZAPU and its armed wing, ZPRA, during the liberation struggle from exile in Zambia. After independence, he served as Minister of Home Affairs and later, following the 1987 Unity Accord with Cde Mugabe, became the Senior Minister before eventually becoming Vice-President, a post he held until his death on 1 July 1999 after a battle with prostate cancer.
He was buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare before one of the largest mourning crowds in the country’s history. The hosting of Independence celebrations in Maphisa carries symbolic weight, given its proximity to his rural home at St Joseph’s, about 40km from the growing metropolis.
JASON ZIYAPHAPHA MOYO
Cde JZ as Cde Moyo was affectionately known was ZAPU’s Vice-President and a key architect of its military wing, ZPRA. A combative and a pivotal figure in the liberation struggle. An artisan by training, Cde Moyo rose through the ranks of trade unionism in Bulawayo before joining nationalist politics.
His activism led to detention in 1959, after which he continued his work in exile in Zambia, contributing to ZAPU’s external operations. Moyo died in Lusaka on 22 January 1977 in a parcel bomb explosion. He was reburied at the National Heroes Acre in 1981. His legacy endures both in military history and in the communities around Maphisa, near his rural home at Donkwe-Donkwe Village.
In recognition and honour of his contribution, President Mnangagwa renamed Suri Suri Airbase near Chegutu after Cde Moyo. The President also gave out a farm to Cde Moyo’s eldest son, George. The farm is situated just close to the Bulawayo-Kezi Road.
ENOS MZOMBI NKALA
Born on 23 August 1932 in Filabusi, Cde Nkala was a resolute nationalist known for his uncompromising stance during the liberation struggle. Initially trained as a bookkeeper, he worked in both Bulawayo and Salisbury now Harare before immersing himself in nationalist politics. His career spanned several decades, during which he remained a firm advocate for independence.
Nkala who served in Cabinet as Minister of Finance and Home Affairs died on 21 August 2013 following complications related to heart and kidney failure.
SIKHWILI KHOHLI MOYO
Cde Moyo, affectionately known as “MP Jikelele”, because then President Mugabe always appointed him Non-Constituency Member of Parliament was a prominent trade unionist turned nationalist and probably the most affable but very uncompromising in the face of adversity. Born in 1923 in Gwanda District’s Damashoko area under Chief Mzimuni, Cde Moyo emerged as a key labour organiser in Bulawayo.
He played a central role in the landmark 1948 general strike, turning point that shifted African resistance from labour grievances to political mobilisation. Cde Moyo later joined the armed struggle, receiving military training in Ghana in the early 1960s after fleeing colonial repression.
He died on October 11, 1999. Following his burial at the National Heroes Acre, President Mugabe later on flew down to Bulawayo to attend his memorial service.
SIMON KHAYA MOYO
SK as Cde Moyo was affectionately known was born in Mangwe District, just across Matobo District on October 1, 1945. After completing high school at Fletcher in Gweru he worked at Mpilo Central before skipping the border in 1968 to join the armed struggle.
He was sent to school and managed to complete a Diploma in Social Science from the University of Zambia before enrolling at Makerere University in Uganda for a BA Degree in Social Science. He lectured for a while in Uganda as well as being ZAPU Chief Representative.
After that he was posted to Lusaka where he subsequently became Special Assistant to ZAPU President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo. He was later sent for intelligence training in the then German Democratic Republic. In post-Independence Zimbabwe he served in various portfolios in Cabinet and the ruling party where he was once National Chairman. He died on 14 November 2021 at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo and was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
TARCISSIUS MALAN GEORGE SILUNDIKA
Tarcissius “TG” Silundika, born in Plumtree in 1929, was an early nationalist organiser and influential political strategist. Cde Silunduka said to have been an excellent command of English was expelled from Fort Hare University in South Africa for political activism and returned to home to mobilise resistance and later operated from Lusaka, helping to strengthen ZAPU and ZPRA.
After independence, he served as Minister of Roads, Road Traffic, Posts and Telecommunications. He died in office on 9 April 1981 and was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
EDWARD SILONDA NDLOVU
Cde Ndlovu was born in 1926 in Gwanda District and dedicated over four decades to nationalist politics and diplomacy. Active in trade unions and later in ZAPU’s leadership, he served as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and played a role in international mobilisation and the Patriotic Front alliance. After Independence he served as Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister. He died on September 3, 1989.
SIDNEY DONALD MALUNGA
The fiery Cde Malunga was born in 1940 and started his education in his home area in Filabusi. He later on became a civic leader, nationalist and parliamentarian. A product of Bulawayo’s civic activism, he contributed to nationalist politics through ZAPU and later served as MP for Mpompoma and Makokoba.
During the struggle against colonial rule he spent years in detention at prisons like WhaWha. He died in a car accident on 28 August 1994 in Bulawayo and was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
STEPHEN JEQE NYONGOLO NKOMO
A veteran nationalist, Cde Nkomo, the younger brother of Dr Joshua Nkomo was born on 3 October 1926 and died on 20 April 2003. At the time of his death he was the Governor of Matabeleland South Province.
He was also a member of the Zanu-PF Central Committee and Politburo. Cde Nkomo distinguished himself as a fearless fighter in the early stages of his political career. He escaped into exile in Zambia in 1964. During the liberation struggle he served as a ZAPU diplomat representing the party in countries such as Egypt and Algeria. After Independence he also served as a Member of Parliament for Matobo. He lived most of the time in Maphisa where he also ran a fuel service station.
MARK NUDA DUBE
Cde Dube was born in 1935 in Umzingwane District and started his education at the local Longfield School. After dabbling in nationalist politics he crossed the border into Mozambique to join the armed struggle. He was a seasoned guerrilla commander and later Governor of Matabeleland South.
Operating under the pseudonym Cde Joshua Misihairambwi during the armed struggle Cde Dube rose through the ranks to become a member of the ZANLA High Command serving with the senior rank of Chief of Training. His experiences of colonial injustice shaped his lifelong commitment to liberation. He died on 28 July 2004 in Bulawayo after a prolonged illness and was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
At the time of his death he was into farming in Karoi, Mashonaland West Province.
GENERAL LOOKOUT KHALISABANTU MASUKU
LT-GEN Masuku pseudonym Cde Lameck Mafela was born on 7 April 1940 in Gwanda District. He was the last Commander of ZPRA forces. Rising through the ranks from instructor at Morogoro to ZPRA Political Commissar, he assumed command following the death of Nikita Mangena in 1978. He died on 5 April 1986 and was declared a National Hero in 1994.
The Second Republic under President Mnangagwa in his honour renamed Llewellin Barracks on the outskirts of Bulawayo after him.
PROFESSOR CALLISTUS DINGISWAYO NLOVU
Born in 1936 and died in 2019, Prof Ndlovu was a distinguished academic, nationalist and politician whose life combined scholarship, activism and public service. He was born on 19 February 1936 in Bulilima District and attended primary schools in Sanzukwi, Dombodema and St Joseph’s, before proceeding to Empandeni Secondary School in Mangwe.
He later trained as a teacher and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pius XII University College in Lesotho.
His political awakening was influenced by nationalists such as Tarcissius George Silundika. In 1960, he joined the National Democratic Party, later becoming a member of ZAPU in 1961. While in Lesotho, he became active in student politics, serving as chairman of the ZAPU Students and Residents Branch, president of the Student Representative Council in 1963, and secretary for publicity of the National union of Basutoland Students in 1965.
In 1966, he was arrested and detained at Khami Prison. Undeterred, he later pursued further studies in New York, earning both a Master’s degree and a PhD in History. Abroad, Prof. Ndlovu built a distinguished academic career as an Associate Professor at Hofstra University and Adjunct Professor at Queens College. He also represented ZAPU at the United Nations and in North America, helping establish the party’s office near the UN and mobilising support for the liberation struggle. He played advisory roles at the Geneva Conference (1976), Malta Conference (1978) and Lancaster House Conference (1979).
After independence in 1980, he was elected Member of Parliament until 1985 and served as Minister of Construction, Mines, and later Industry and Technology. He also held senior positions within Zanu-PF, including provincial chairman and Central Committee member. Prof Ndlovu later served as Director-General of ZIPAM between 1997 and 2014. He contributed to the establishment of Gwanda State University. He died on 13 February 2019 in South Africa and was declared a National Hero.
PROF PHINIAS MAGOROSI MAKHURANE
Professor Phinias Makhurane born on 1 January 1939 in Gwanda District was a pioneering academic and a leading figure in Zimbabwe’s higher education sector. He pursued studies in Physics and Mathematics at the then University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland now University of Zimbabwe before furthering his education at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, where he obtained both a Master’s degree and a PhD in Solid State Physics within a remarkably short period.
He became one of the first black Zimbabweans to earn a doctorate in the sciences. In between his academic schedules he was an active member of ZAPU during the liberation struggle. Upon his return, he lectured at the University of Zimbabwe and later rose to senior academic and administrative positions, including chairmanship of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education.
He died on 1 December 2018 after battling diabetes and hypertension, leaving a lasting legacy in academic development. He was buried at his home in Gwanda.
NAISON KHUTSHWEKHAYA NDLOVU
NK, as Cde Ndlovu was affectionately known was born on 22 October 1930 in Filabusi. He was a veteran nationalist and Bulawayo’s first black Mayor. Initially trained as a teacher, he later entered politics, where he endured persecution under the Rhodesian regime but remained steadfast in his commitment to the liberation struggle.
After independence, he served in various leadership roles, contributing to local governance and national politics. He died on 29 May 2017 after battling prostate cancer. He was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
JOHANNA NKOMO (MaFuyana)
CDE Johanna Nkomo the wife of Dr Joshua Nkomo was born on 18 September 1927 in Kezi. She was the pillar of husband support of her husband throughout the liberation struggle. Grounded in both African cultural values and formal education, she played a significant supportive role in nationalist politics while raising a family under difficult circumstances.
She died on 3 June 2003 and was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
SUNNY NTOMBIYELANGA TAKAWIRA
MRS Sunny Ntombiyelanga Takawira was born on 2 July 1927 in Filabusi. She was a nationalist figure and was a nurse by profession. She endured the hardships of the liberation struggle alongside her husband, Leopold Takawira. She was widely regarded for her humility, faith, and dedication to com COLONEL KENNY MABUYA
Colonel (Retired) Kenny Mabuya pseudonym Cde Kenny Ridzai was born on 12 January 1952 in Filabusi, but his family later relocated to Zambia. He joined the armed struggle in 1969 in Zambia and sent for military training at Intumbi Camp in Tanzania under ZANLA. He was deployed to the front in 1972 and rose to the ZANLA High Command. He served in the ZANLA Military Intelligence under the now late National Hero and former Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, General Vitalis “Fox” Zvinavashe. His career reflected a blend of operational and intelligence expertise within the liberation forces.
ZENZO NTULIKI
Cde Ntuliki pseudonym Maphekapheka was born on 8 August 1959 in Gwanda District under Chief Mzimuni. He was among the younger generation of cadres who joined the liberation struggle during their school years. He left secondary school to join ZPRA in Zambia, undergoing military training and later serving in intelligence structures in the National Security and Order (NSO). His journey reflected the sacrifices made by youths who abandoned education to fight for independence. After Independence Cde Ntuliki served in President’s Department and rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Director. He died on 21 April 2017 and was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
LLOYD KOTSHO DUBE
Lloyd Kotsho Dube, born on 25 June 1935 in Matobo District, was a nationalist, diplomat and scholar. He began his career as a teacher and later worked in banking and legal administration before fully committing to nationalist politics. He represented ZAPU internationally during the liberation struggle, playing a key diplomatic role. After independence, he continued to serve in Government as a diplomat. He died on 1 December 2014.
CHILISI BHUKA NGWENYA
Lieutenant-Colonel (Rtd) Chilisi Bhuka Ngwenya was born on 2 February 1948 in Plumtree. During the armed struggle he served in the ZIPRA intelligence unit. He joined the liberation struggle in 1969 and underwent training in Tanzania and later in the Soviet Union, specialising in intelligence operations.
He served along the Zambia-Rhodesia border and rose through the ranks due to his expertise. Ngwenya died on 25 December 2011 and was posthumously declared a national hero in 2012.
DR ISAAC NYATHI
Dr Nyathi was born in 1936 in Mangwe District was a nationalist, diplomat and legislator. He was active in ZAPU politics and served as a Member of Parliament for Bulilima-Mangwe in the 1980s. During the liberation struggle, he provided critical support to nationalist activities. He died on 28 December 2007 after a long illness.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL FAKAZI MLEYA
Brig-General Fakazi Mleya pseudonym Cde Sign Mbedzi was born on 8 November 1955 in Gwanda District. During the armed struggle he served under ZPRA. He joined the liberation struggle as a young man, receiving military training and participating in operations against colonial forces. After independence, he continued his service within the national army. He died on 12 July 2007 after battling cancer.
CEPHAS CELE
Cde Cele born on 28 February 1935 in Gwanda District under Chief Mzimuni was among the early cadres of the armed liberation struggle. Initially a teacher, he joined nationalist politics before undergoing military training in Tanzania in 1967.
He rose through the ranks to become the ZPRA Chief of Personnel. He died on 7 July 2000.
STANLEY NLEYA
Stanley Nleya pseudonym Cde Gagisa was born in 1953 in Bulilima District. He was a liberation war commander who joined the struggle as a teenager. Forced out of school by the inequalities of colonial rule, he crossed into Botswana and proceeded to Zambia to join ZPRA. He rose through the ranks from an instructor of Deputy Chief of Operations. His familiarity with border regions made him instrumental in guiding recruits. He died on 16 June 2020 after a heart-related illness.
LAZARUS NKALA
Cde Nkala, born on 26 February 1927 in Filabusi, was a veteran nationalist and trade union leader. He rose from artisan ranks to become a prominent union leader before entering nationalist politics. He held leadership roles in ZAPU and was detained during the state of emergency in 1959. Nkala died in a car accident on 3 December 1975.
Other National Heroes include Absalom Sikhosana, Tapson Sibanda aka Gordon Munyanyi, Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu and Albert Nxele, among others.
