Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
THE late liberation war heroine, Cde Dorcas Mubaiwa, who was laid to rest at Manicaland Provincial Heroes’ Shrine on Tuesday afternoon, has been described as a beacon of hope and resilience whose courage and unwavering commitment to justice inspired many during the darkest days of the country’s history.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, described her departure as an “irreplaceable” loss, highlighting that her contributions to ZANU PF and Zimbabwe, particularly in terms of work ethic, were exemplary.
“She was a beacon of hope and resilience. Her courage and unwavering commitment to justice inspired many during the darkest days of our nation’s history. As a woman, Cde Mubaiwa demonstrated great courage as she made a bold decision to collaborate with freedom fighters to liberate the country from the colonial bondage. Her belief in a just and free Zimbabwe fuelled her efforts in the struggle. She dedicated her life to uplifting others, ensuring that the voices of the marginalised were heard.
“Her work transcended the battlefield for the freedom fighters. She was a mother, a mentor, and a guide to countless individuals who sought a better future,” said Minister Mugadza.
He urged mourners who converged at Manicaland Provincial Shrine to pay their last respects to Cde Mubaiwa by safeguarding her illustrious legacy.
“Let us ensure that her legacy lives on in our actions and our commitment to building a nation that reflects the dreams she fought for. This sociable woman who enjoyed farming was a dependable member of the Methodist in Zimbabwe Church. Guided by her rich political achievement, today we honour her memory and reflect on the values she stood for, which are courage, integrity and compassion,” he said.
The late Cde Dorcas Mubaiwa was born on January 11, 1954, in Mubaiwa Village under Chief Chihota in Mhondoro District.
She did her primary school education up to Standard Six, and could not proceed with her education due to the racial discrimination imposed against the black students on the education system by the racist Rhodesian Regime.
Cde Mubaiwa joined the liberation struggle in 1976 as a war collaborator (chimbwido), preparing food for the freedom fighters, mobilising and providing them with clothing as well as other essential items up to 1979.
Such a tough feat earned her several positions of influence thereafter.
From 1979 to 1980, she became a youth league member for Chihota District in Mhondoro.
From 1980 to 1984, she served as youth league district secretary of Chihota District in Mhondoro, before she left Mhondoro for Manicaland, where she became the district chairperson for Dangamvura A.
From 2000 to 2005, the late Cde Mubaiwa was elected ZANU PF Manicaland Women’s League provincial deputy secretary for health.
She became the ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairlady from 2005 to 2015.
From 2015 up to the time of her death, she was a Ward Seven district chairlady.
Cde Mubaiwa, lost her husband eight years ago, and is survived by seven children and several grandchildren.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza said: “We heard and honoured a plea that she (Cde Mubaiwa) be laid to rest among other gallant fighters here at the provincial heroes’ shrine. Her dedication and immense contribution to the country’s attainment of freedom cannot go unnoticed.
“She was a hard worker who possessed a selfless character, which are some of the key attributes for a provincial liberation hero.”
Online Reporter