Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure [email protected]
MAJOR-GENERAL (Retired) Richard Ruwodo has been conferred national hero status in recognition of his immense contribution to Zimbabwe during and after the liberation struggle, Zanu-PF National Chairperson and Minister of Defence, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has announced.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri made the announcement at the late former military commander’s family home in Glen Lorne, Harare, on Thursday night.
“After considering his immense contribution to the nation during and after Independence, President Mnangagwa has seen it fit to confer Maj-Gen (Rtd) Richard Ruwodo national hero status,” she said.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo died on July 7, 2026, while admitted to Avenues Clinic in Harare. He was 72.
Known by the nom de guerre ‘Moshe Pwititi’ during the liberation struggle, he is expected to be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Monday, with President Mnangagwa set to preside over the burial ceremony.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri described the late Maj-Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo as one of the Zimbabwe National Army’s most distinguished officers, noting that after Independence in 1980 he became the army’s first black Director of Zimbabwe Army Records, a position he served with distinction.
She said he was an astute soldier and administrator who played a critical role in managing the salaries and welfare administration systems of thousands of serving members of the Zimbabwe National Army.
“He was a soldier of note who protected and propelled national interests. The officer was a loyal and patriotic commander of note who jealously promoted, propelled and protected the country’s core interest until his demise. We stand united in remembrance of a man who gave his life in service of his nation, whose courage, humility and devotion to duty will forever echo in our hearts.
“He was not one who sought glory, nor did he wear his honours as a crown; instead, he carried with quiet dignity, knowing that true valour lies not in recognition but in sacrifice,” she said.
Born on March 14, 1954, in Samushonga Village under Headman Munhama in Chief Mutasa’s area of Mutare District, Manicaland Province, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo attended Mutasa Primary School before completing his secondary education at Highfield Secondary School in Harare between 1969 and 1972.
He joined Bata Shoe Company in 1973 as a salesman and rose through the ranks to become a relief manager before answering the call to join the liberation struggle in 1975.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the national hero was among the third group of ZANLA cadres to receive military training at Chimoio in Mozambique alongside Colonel (Rtd) Shaw Matemachani and the late Thomas Bvuma.
Following Independence, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army and rose rapidly through the ranks, attaining the rank of Lieutenant in 1981, Lieutenant-Colonel in 1982, Colonel in 1984 and Brigadier-General in 1988.
She said his military career was characterised by professionalism, discipline and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the Zimbabwe National Army.
“The late Major General managed a labour-intensive manual pay system that he supervised until it transitioned to a computer-based system. He advanced in-house training for Corps members and expanded training for unit administrators, elevating administration competencies in the Zimbabwe National Army. The late General Officer also improved accountability, transparency, integrity, credibility, probity and overall human capital development,” she said.
After retiring from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo continued serving the nation when he was appointed Principal Director for War Veterans in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said he successfully translated the discipline and leadership qualities that had defined his military career into public service.
“He brought the discipline and command experience of his military career into the Civil Service. Major-General Ruwodo consistently advocated for improved conditions for war veterans. He was a gatekeeper of legitimacy within the war veterans’ community,” she said.
Beyond his military and public service careers, she said, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo was a devoted family man, respected community leader and philanthropist who quietly assisted fellow war veterans and the families of fallen comrades.
Family spokesperson Mr Lovemore Ruwodo expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the ZANU PF leadership for bestowing the country’s highest honour on his brother.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo is survived by his wife, Lois, three children — Tatenda Ashleigh, Thabiso Lisa and Tinodiwa — and four grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at Number 92 Folyjon Crescent, Glen Lorne, Harare.
