Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
MAJOR-GENERAL (Retired) Richard Ruwodo has been conferred with national hero status in recognition of his contribution to Zimbabwe during and after the liberation struggle, Zanu PF national chairman and Defence Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.
She made the remarks as she announced the conferment of the honour at the former military commander’s family home in Glen Lorne, Harare, last 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 at the 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 ceremony.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri described 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 pivotal role in managing salaries for 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, 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 later rose to the position of 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 in Mozambique at Chimoio alongside Colonel (Rtd) Shaw Matemachani and the late Thomas Bvuma.
Following Independence, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army and steadily rose through the ranks, attaining the rank of Lieutenant in 1981, Lieutenant Colonel in 1982, Colonel in 1984 and Brigadier General in 1988.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the former military commander championed professionalism, discipline and cohesion within 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 was appointed Principal Director for War Veterans in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs.
“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,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She said beyond his military career, the national hero was a devoted family man, respected community leader and philanthropist who quietly supported fellow war veterans and the dependants of fallen comrades.
Family spokesperson Mr Lovemore Ruwodo thanked President Mnangagwa and the ZANU PF leadership for conferring 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.
