Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has conferred National Hero status on the late Brigadier General (Retired) Donald Silundi Tshuma, who died at his home in Nkulumane, Bulawayo, last Friday, in recognition of his distinguished military career and his contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
Zanu-PF Secretary-General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, announced the development yesterday in a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.
“His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa has conferred a National Hero status to the late Brigadier General [Rtd] Cde Donald Silundi Tshuma who passed away on 15th May 2026.
Mourners are gathered at House No. 14010 Nkulumane 12, Bulawayo. The late Brigadier General [Rtd] Cde Donald Silundi Tshuma will be interred at the National Heroes Acre, Harare at a date yet to be announced,” said Cde Mudenda.
He said the conferment of the honour marks the beginning of formal arrangements for the hero’s burial, including support and benefits for the bereaved family.
The late senior military officer died at the age of 71 and is survived by four children.
On Wednesday, Zimbabwe National Army commander Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi led a funeral parade for Brigadier General Tshuma at Imbizo Barracks in Bulawayo. During the ceremony, he called on Zimbabweans to emulate the values of loyalty and patriotism demonstrated by the late officer throughout his life.
The decorated army commander’s journey in the liberation struggle began when he evaded arrest by the Rhodesian Special Branch and crossed into Botswana. From there, he joined thousands of other freedom fighters who sacrificed greatly to liberate Zimbabwe from colonial rule.
In his address, Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the late Brigadier General (Retired) Tshuma left behind a strong legacy of professionalism within the Zimbabwe National Army, and that his loyalty and dedication to the country should remain an example to all citizens.
“He was a distinguished military officer who remained focused and steadfast in the face of neo-colonial machinations by our detractors. As we pay our last respects to the late gallant son of the soil, we must not forget the sacrifices that he and other heroes and heroines made for the freedom of our motherland, Zimbabwe.
“We must defend what they stood and fought for, we must defend Zimbabwe’s independence and sovereignty at all costs. We must uphold the principles and values that the late Brigadier General Tshuma has left us,” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
He recalled that Brigadier General Tshuma became involved in politics at a young age, driven by the injustices and racial discrimination experienced under the Rhodesian regime.
“He became involved in politics at a young age, participating in youth activities, and that is when the Rhodesian Special Branch started looking for him.
His role in politics was in the structures of the ZAPU Youth League as the District Organising Secretary in Gwabalanda (Bulawayo.
“He also mobilised the youth to move out of the country to join the liberation struggle in Zambia. In November 1976, the late senior officer crossed the border into Botswana where he stayed for a month before crossing to Zambia to join the liberation struggle as a ZIPRA (Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army) cadre. He briefly stayed at Nampundwe Transit Camp up to 1977 before being sent to Mwembeshi Camp for initial military training),” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
After completing his initial training, Brigadier General Tshuma was deployed along the Zambezi River on the Northern Front.
“In February 1978, the late Brig- Gen Tshuma was part of 300 cadres, who included the late National Hero Brigadier General Masuku (Lookout) to be selected to go for further military training in Libya. The training could not take place as the Libyan government gave a condition that they were to join the Muslim religion first before training, which they turned down.
“He stayed in Libya for one year and returned to Zambia. In November 1979, he and other colleagues were selected to go to the union of Soviet Socialist Republic (now Russia) for further military training. He trained as a Platoon Commander up to June 1980.”
After independence, Brigadier General Tshuma rose steadily through the ranks of the army. He was promoted to Captain in 1981, Major in 1982, and later to Lieutenant Colonel in 2012. Upon his retirement in 2020, he attained the rank of Brigadier General.
During his service, he received several awards in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the nation. These include the Liberation Medal, the Independence Medal, the Long and Exemplary Service Medal, and the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.
