Online Reporter
Africa Moyo and Remember Deketeke
A FORMER senior member of the Zimbabwe National Army, Major-General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema, who died in India last week while receiving medical treatment, has been declared a national hero.
He will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre on Monday, with President Mnangagwa expected to preside over the burial proceedings.
The Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, yesterday visited the Dzihwema family home in Harare to convey President Mnangagwa’s message conferring national hero status on the retired military officer.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Dzihwema died on June 25.
He was 63.
His body was repatriated to Zimbabwe and arrived at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on July 1.
A military funeral parade was held in his honour at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare yesterday.
Speaking at the parade, the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu, described Maj-Gen Dzihwema as a patriotic, disciplined and highly professional officer who dedicated his entire life to serving Zimbabwe, first as a liberation fighter, then as a senior military commander and later as a public servant.
Gen Matatu said Maj-Gen Dzihwema’s unwavering commitment to national service had left an enduring legacy within the ZDF and civil service.
“We gather here again under a sombre atmosphere as we pay our last military respects to the late Major General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema, who passed away on June 25, 2026, in India, where he was undergoing medical treatment,” said Gen Matatu.
“On behalf of the entire Zimbabwe Defence Forces family, I stand before you to pay tribute to a professional military officer whose calling was the career of arms, in which he distinguished himself through exemplary dedication and commitment.”
Gen Matatu said the officer exemplified selfless service throughout his life and remained steadfast in defending the country’s sovereignty and national interests.
He chronicled Maj-Gen Dzihwema’s journey from Chandi Communal Lands in Makoni District, Manicaland Province, to joining the liberation struggle in 1978 after allegedly being assaulted by Rhodesian security forces while travelling to obtain a juvenile registration certificate.
The incident, Gen Matatu said, strengthened the young Dzihwema’s resolve to take up arms and join thousands of other young Zimbabweans fighting for the country’s independence.
After undergoing military training in Mozambique, Maj-Gen Dzihwema was deployed to the operational front, where he served alongside several prominent liberation war commanders before Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980.
Following independence, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army and steadily rose through the ranks to become a Major-General, serving in numerous command and staff appointments.
“He gave his whole life to serving Zimbabwe, from the liberation war to post-independence Zimbabwe, both in the Defence Forces and in the public service,” said Gen Matatu.
He added that the officer occupied several strategic positions, including company Brigade Staff Officer, Director of Procurement, Director of Finance and Director-General responsible for personnel within the ZDF.
Following his retirement from active military service in December 2017, Maj-Gen Dzihwema joined the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment as principal director before later transferring to the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, where he served as Chief Director until his death.
Gen Matatu said he had worked closely with Maj-Gen Dzihwema for many years and described him as an intelligent, dependable and solutions-oriented leader.
“I am privileged to have known him very well and worked closely with him for a significant part of our careers.
“We lived close to each other, our families were close and our children grew up together. General Dzihwema had a sharp intellect and a good grasp of operational, administrative and logistical issues.
“He always offered practical ideas to challenges we faced and approached every task methodically,” he said.
Gen Matatu said even after leaving the military, Maj-Gen Dzihwema continued supporting the ZDF by offering professional advice whenever called upon.
“He was indeed a professional with great love for his country. He remained committed and competent. He was not a man who engaged in activities that sought to denigrate or undermine the Zimbabwe Defence Forces or national programmes,” he said.
Gen Matatu added that Maj-Gen Dzihwema possessed rare leadership qualities founded on honesty, integrity, humility, loyalty, unflinching patriotism and enthusiasm.
“That speaks well to your legacy,” he said.
Gen Matatu also highlighted the accolades earned by the retired general during his distinguished career, including the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Ten-Year Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, Democratic Republic of Congo Medal and the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Maj-Gen Dzihwema’s younger brother, Mr Shadreck Dzihwema, described him as a pillar of strength whose humility remained unchanged despite his rise through the military ranks.
“We have lost not only a brother but also a mentor and father figure. He always encouraged us to work hard, remain disciplined and serve our country with honesty,” he said.
Mr Dzihwema said despite occupying senior positions in both the military and Government, Maj-Gen Dzihwema remained closely connected to his roots and regularly visited the family home.
“He never forgot where he came from. Whenever he came home, he would spend time with the family, advise the young generation and encourage unity among relatives.
“He was approachable and always willing to help whenever there was a problem,” he said.
Mr Dzihwema thanked the Government, the ZDF and all citizens who have stood with the family following his brother’s death.
“As a family, we are comforted by the honour that has been accorded to our brother. The outpouring of support from Government, the Defence Forces, friends and the public shows the impact he made during his lifetime.
“We will forever cherish his legacy,” he said.
Maj-Gen Dzihwema is survived by his wife, Alice, and three sons.
