Londile Moyo
LIBERATION war hero Cde Arvine Tshuma was laid to rest on Saturday at his rural homestead at Empandeni East village in Mangwe district, Matabeleland South province.
He passed away at the age of 70.
The late Cde Arvine Tshuma was born on February 25, 1955 in Empandeni. He attended Mkhaya Primary School, where he attained Standard 3. While his formal education was limited, his political consciousness and love for his country were deep and unwavering.
In 1977, inspired by the call to free Zimbabwe from minority rule, he made the courageous decision to join the liberation struggle under the pseudo name Minus Sigidi.
He received military training in Angola (Mboma) thereby formally becoming part of the liberation forces. As a trained cadre of the struggle, Cde Tshuma contributed to the collective effort that ultimately delivered independence in 1980. His participation, commitment, and discipline formed part of the broader revolutionary machinery that dismantled colonial domination.
After independence, Cde Tshuma remained loyal to the ideals of the liberation struggle. He was intergrated into the Zimbabwe National Army in 1981 and he retired in 1984. He lived as a proud Liberation War Veteran and continued to support the values of unity, peace and national development. He was an active member of ZANU PF and his life reflected humility, consistency and unwavering patriotism.
Chief mourner at the burial, Mangwe District Development Coordinator (DDC) Ms Matilda Mlotshwa DDC on a speech read on her behalf by Mrs Ruth Sauramba said the nation at large is in great loss.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts, yet with immense pride, to lay to rest one of our own, a gallant son of the soil and a committed cadre of the liberation struggle, Cde Arvine Tshuma. This is indeed a sad moment for the Tshuma family, the Empandeni community and Mangwe District at large. On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I convey my deepest condolences to the family for the loss of a husband, father and a liberation war hero.
“Though some of us may not have known him closely, we stand before you today as representatives of a grateful nation. The Government of Zimbabwe joins you in mourning his passing and honouring a life that was dedicated to the liberation and dignity of our people,” said Ms Mlotshwa.
She said Cde Tshuma did not seek recognition or positions, but his loyalty to the Party, the Government and the people of Zimbabwe never wavered.
“His life reminds us that the revolution was sustained not only by commanders and fighters at the front, but also by disciplined cadres who answered the call of the struggle with courage and resolve. Cde Tshuma passed away on the 13th of February 2026 and today, 21 February 2026, we commit his body to the earth honouring him as a Liberation War Hero.
“He is survived by his wife and 1 child. To the family, we say: you have lost a pillar, but the nation has gained an immortal hero whose name is forever written in the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation. As we lay him to rest, let us remember that the freedom we enjoy today was secured through the sacrifices of men and women like Cde Arvine Tshuma. He answered the call of the revolution and played his part in the birth of our nation. To the Tshuma family, may the love and solidarity of the people of Zimbabwe give you strength during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that his sacrifice was not in vain,” said Ms Mlotshwa.
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