Online Reporter
Sekai Manyere
Herald Reporter
PROVINCIAL liberation war hero Cde Obert Nyuke, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Potifa Gonzo, was buried yesterday after being honoured for dedicating his life to the struggle for Zimbabwe’s freedom and to the service of his country.
He was born on June 17, 1955, in Nyajena District, Masvingo Province, and died on September 7, 2026.
In recognition of his contribution to the liberation struggle and his continued service to Zimbabwe, His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa conferred upon him Provincial Liberation War Hero status.
Speaking at the burial, the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, said the nation was mourning a courageous cadre while celebrating a life of sacrifice.
“We gather here to bid farewell and pay our final respects to Cde Obert Nyuke, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Potifa Gonzo, a liberation war hero who dedicated his life to the struggle for Zimbabwe’s freedom and to the service of his country.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn his passing, while at the same time honouring a life of courage, sacrifice and commitment to the nation,” he said.
The minister said many comrades had lost their lives during the liberation war, but their sacrifice gave birth to independence.
“Many lost their lives on the way to the war, some at training camps and others in combat. Zimbabwe gained its Independence in 1980 because of the unwavering sacrifice of these heroes and heroines,” he said.
He said the nation was grateful for the time it shared with Cde Nyuke because life belonged to God.
The minister also said that, as the country pursues Vision 2030, Zimbabwe now faces the task of growing the economy into an upper-middle-income society by 2030, thereby improving people’s livelihoods and quality of life.
He said the nation owed it to Cde Gonzo and others to uphold the ideals of the liberation struggle.
“As a nation, we owe it to Cde Potifa Gonzo and all the brave men and women who fought alongside him to uphold the ideals of the liberation struggle. As we advance towards Vision 2030, we must continue drawing lessons from the discipline, patriotism and sacrifice demonstrated by cadres such as Cde Nyuke,” said the minister.
He said Cde Obert Nyuke played his part until September 7, 2026.
“It is now our duty, and that of our children, to continue confronting all the challenges the country faces, including the fight against drug and substance abuse,” said the minister.
He urged the family to remain united.
“Children, remain united and follow in your father’s footsteps in advancing the goals of the nation, in line with the President’s mantra that a country is built by its own people,” he said.
