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Joseph Madzimure, Zimpapers Politics Hub
President Mnangagwa yesterday conferred national hero status on two distinguished sons of the soil, Major-General (Retired) Dr Herbert Chingono and war veteran Cde Elison Mupamawonde, after considering their contribution during the liberation struggle and after independence in 1980.
Maj-Gen Dr Chingono died on March 15 at his Pentland Farm in Mazowe after a short illness.
He was 68.
He was the brother to Chief of Staff (Operations) Air Vice Marshal Biltim Chingono.
Cde Mupamawonde died on March 3.
Zanu PF National Chairman and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri announced the national declaration on Maj Gen Dr Chingono at the family home in Harare last night.
In respect of Cde Mupamawonde, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe delivered the message to the Mupamawonde family at their Chipiri Farm in Centenary, Mashonaland Central province, yesterday.
Their declarations as national heroes come as the nation is mourning the death of Cde Cosmas Chiringa, who was permanent secretary for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, whose body returned to Harare yesterday from Manicaland, where family and friends were bidding him farewell.
It is now expected that all the national heroes, including Cde Chiringa, who was expected to be buried tomorrow at the National Heroes Acre, could be buried on Monday next week.
In her remarks at the Chingono family home last night, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said President Mnangagwa made the decision to accord national hero status after considering Maj-Gen Dr Chingono’s commitment to serve his nation during and after independence.
“He has seen fit to declare him a national hero after his service to the nation,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She added that he was one of the young boys then who joined the liberation struggle after experiencing ill-treatment by the Ian Smith regime.
“He contributed immensely during the liberation struggle until the country gained independence. He assisted in ensuring that food security at the household level is achieved. He received a number of awards,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri described Maj-Gen Dr Chingono as a principled, intelligent and courageous military man.
He challenged youths to emulate the good works of Maj-Gen Dr Chingono.
In a statement yesterday, Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, said it was sad that Maj-Gen Dr Chingono, whose Chimurenga name was Swift Chakanyuka, had died.
Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede, described the national hero as a military strategist.
“We worked together, but he was on the military side and I was working on the Air Force side. We will miss him dearly,” he said.
Zanu PF Deputy Secretary General, Lieutenant General (Retired) Michael Nyambuya, who worked with Maj-Gen Dr Chingono, said he was a war strategist and specialised in the artillery section.
“I know him from the liberation struggle. He operated in the Tangwena section which is Gandanzara, Honde Valley, among others. We recruited him and also trained him. He was later sent to Romania for further training, specialising in artillery.
“When we attained our independence in 1980, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army and he proved that he was a master of artillery, and he immediately joined the artillery call and he was an asset.
“He was also very intelligent,” said Cde Nyambuya.
Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu and Retired General (Retired) Phillip Valerio Sibanda, were among the mourners at the Chingono family home.
A funeral parade for Maj-Gen Dr Chingono is expected today at the Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare, while a provincial farewell for Cde Chiringa is set for the Zanu PF Harare Provincial headquarters this morning.
Maj-Gen Dr Chingono is survived by his wife Loyse, four sons, namely Biltim Troy, Brian Kundai, Jemiad, and Crag Herbert and two daughters, Christine Tendai and Hayley Matipanyasha.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 11, Southam Road, Greystone Park, Harare.
For Cde Mupamawonde, mourners are gathered at his Chipiri Farm in Centenary.
Online Reporter