Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
Scores of liberation war veterans in Mashonaland Central Province on Wednesday gathered at Machere Farm in Mazowe West to bid farewell to liberation war hero Cde Noel Shambakumanje, who died on June 1, 2025.
In an emotional send-off punctuated with the spirit of solidarity born of the war of liberation, veterans of the struggle broke into emotional Chimurenga songs revoking the guiding revolutionary spirit, which embodies the true identity of the motherland post-colonial Zimbabwe.
Born on April 16, 1958, in Mt Darwin District Cde Shambakumanja joined the liberation struggle at a tender age, crossing into Mozambique in 1974 through the north eastern border.
He died after a short illness and was subsequently conferred liberation war hero status in honour of his contributions to the attainment of independence.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mazowe District Development Coordinator, chief mourner, Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Christopher Magomo hailed the loyalty and patriotism displayed by Cde Shambakumanja in both pre-colonial and post-colonial eras.
“I implore our youths today to jealously guard our hard-won freedom as we make a flashback to the then youths of yesteryear who dedicated their lives to the liberation struggle, like the late Cde Noel Shambakumanja, who until his death remained resolute in serving our motherland Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said in 1976, Cde Shambakumanja was deployed at the forefront in Manica Province, where he operated with distinction as Cde Enicos Chipangura in Munhumutapa sector.
Cde Shambakumanje is well remembered for his heroic exploits during the war of liberation when he survived one of the deadliest battles at Manhenga, which was ground cum air force surprise attack where most comrades lost lives including the late High Command Secretary for Finance Cde Soul Sadza.
At that fiery battle, Cde Shambakumanje sustaine injuries and was treated in Mozambique before returning to the front in Buhera District.
Mazowe West legislator and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cde Kazembe Kazembe, who is also Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairman, commended the spirit of solidarity displayed by the ex-combatants as they bade farewell to their comrade in arms.
“This sendoff is a true testament of the solidarity of the comrades forged by the pain and love shared during the war of liberation,” he said.
“Let us preserve the legacy of these freedom fighters and most importantly let us proffer befitting honour and respect to these comrades whose sacrifice brought us the independence we so enjoy today.”
Cde Shambakumanje is survived by his wife Loveness Shambakumanja, six children and 14 grandchildren.
