Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
HUNDREDS of mourners on Saturday gathered at Tshapongwe Village in Beitbridge District to bid farewell to liberation war hero Cde Andris Nguluvhe, popularly known by his nom de guerre “Mujamba”.
Cde Nguluvhe, who died at the age of 91, was conferred liberation war hero status by President Mnangagwa in recognition of his contribution to the country’s liberation struggle.
The late freedom fighter, who is elder brother to the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, was buried with full State honours.
He is survived by 12 children and 35 grandchildren.
The funeral was attended by war veterans, traditional leaders, Government officials, church leaders and members of Zanu-PF.
Speaking during the burial, Minister Nguluvhe described his brother as a dedicated freedom fighter, respected cattle farmer and community development advocate who also played a key role in combating crime in Beitbridge.
“As Government we are saddened by the loss of this illustrious son of the soil.
“We feel the pain as the Nguluvhe family, the war veterans fraternity and the ruling party Zanu-PF by losing such a cadre who dedicated his life to fighting the oppressive colonial regime of Rhodesia,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe thanked President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF for conferring hero status on his brother, saying it reflected the significance of his contribution to the liberation struggle and nation-building.
He also called on citizens to uphold values of unity, peace and hard work in pursuit of Vision 2030.
Born on October 10, 1935, in Beitbridge, Cde Nguluvhe left school early due to limited educational opportunities under colonial rule and later worked at Panda Mine and Mangula Mine, where he specialised in mining techniques.
Driven by dissatisfaction with colonial oppression, he joined the liberation struggle in 1978 and underwent military training before operating in the Gaza area under the name “Mujamba”, with Zezani, also known as Juliet, serving as his assembly point.
Following the country’s independence in 1980, Cde Nguluvhe returned home and continued serving the nation as a Zanu-PF cell leader and community mobiliser.
Speakers at the funeral described him as a man devoted not only to the liberation of the country but also to grassroots development and community safety.
Headman Tshinoni of Beitbridge East said Cde Nguluvhe was widely respected as a successful cattle farmer and a committed community leader.
“He championed development projects and actively participated in efforts to fight crime in Beitbridge,” he said.
Beitbridge Rural District Council representative, Councillor Rabson Mbedzi, described the late liberation war hero as a dependable pillar of the community.
“We are gathered here to celebrate a selfless man who contributed immensely towards fighting crime and promoting grassroots development in this area,” he said.
Matabeleland South chairperson of the veterans of the liberation struggle, Cde Alfred Makhomo Moyo, said the district had lost a principled and selfless cadre who always prioritised the welfare of others.
He urged young people to emulate the late hero’s dedication, discipline and commitment to community service.
Beitbridge West legislator Thusani Ndou and Beitbridge Senator Tambudzani Mohadi also paid tribute to Cde Nguluvhe, describing him as a tireless advocate for development and a key figure in efforts to develop his area.
