Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE death of Major General (Retired) Richard Ruwodo last week robbed Zimbabwe of a patriotic son of the soil whose life was defined by selflessness, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to the greater good of his motherland.
At a young age, Richard Ruwodo had what many would have considered a promising future. Employed at Bata Shoe Company, he enjoyed the stability and comfort of formal employment at a time when such opportunities were scarce for many black Zimbabweans.
He could have chosen to pursue a successful career, climbing the corporate ladder and enjoying the benefits that came with professional advancement.
However, his conscience would not allow him to ignore the suffering of his people under colonial rule.
In 1975, he made a life-changing decision that would shape both his destiny and that of his country. Leaving behind the security of his job, the young Richard crossed the perilous, mine-infested border into Mozambique to join thousands of other young men and women who had answered the call to liberate Zimbabwe.
Under the nom de guerre Cde Moshe Pwititi, he took up arms against the brutal and heavily equipped Rhodesian forces.
Like many of his fellow comrades, he endured the hardships of guerrilla warfare, surviving under harsh bush conditions marked by hunger, disease, fatigue and constant danger.
Yet he never wavered.
Driven by an unshakeable determination to secure freedom for his people, the late Major General Ruwodo persevered until victory was achieved and the liberation struggle culminated in peace talks that paved the way for Zimbabwe’s Independence in 1980.
Following independence, he continued serving his country with distinction. He joined the Zimbabwe National Army, and went on to make history by becoming the first black Director of Zimbabwe Army Records.
The appointment came at a critical moment in the country’s history as the newly independent nation sought to integrate former liberation armies and the Rhodesian military into a single professional force.
His role was therefore central to the successful administration and development of the new national army.
Speaking during the send-off ceremony held at Major General Ruwodo’s homestead in Mutasa District last Sunday, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, described the late military commander as a towering figure whose contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation and nation-building would never be forgotten.
“The story of Zimbabwe and that of the Zimbabwe National Army cannot be told without mentioning Major General Richard Ruwodo. He exemplified the highest levels of service and sacrifice both before and after Independence,” said Minister Mugadza.
“In Major General Richard Ruwodo, we remember a heroic son of Manicaland, a history-maker, a true son of the soil, a gallant liberation fighter, a distinguished military officer and, above all, a patriot of the highest order.
“Major General Ruwodo was a blessing, not only to the Samushonga community, but also to Mutasa District, Manicaland Province and the nation as a whole.”
Minister Mugadza said Zimbabwe owed a debt of gratitude to men and women such as Cde Ruwodo who willingly sacrificed their comfort and safety for the country’s freedom.
“We celebrate a man who left the comfort of employment at Bata Shoe Company in 1975 to answer the highest calling any citizen can answer: the call to liberate his motherland, Zimbabwe.
“As the people of Manicaland Province, we would also like to thank His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa for conferring national hero status on our illustrious, devoted and patriotic son,” he said.
Tracing the liberation icon’s life journey, Minister Mugadza said Major General Ruwodo’s story mirrors Zimbabwe’s own struggle for freedom.
“The story of Cde Moshe Pwititi is the story of Zimbabwe itself. Born on March 14, 1954, in Samushonga Village under Headman Munhama and Chief Mutasa, the young Richard grew up under the harsh realities of colonial oppression.
“Like many youths of his generation, he was denied fundamental rights, opportunities and dignity. But instead of surrendering to injustice, he embraced the noble cause of liberation, demonstrating from an early age the courage, patriotism and unwavering resolve that would define his contribution to Zimbabwe’s independence.
“His life stands as a testament to the resilience of a people determined to reclaim their freedom and shape their own destiny,” he said.
Minister Mugadza said after crossing into Mozambique in 1975, Cde Ruwodo underwent military training at Chimoio, where he trained alongside several distinguished cadres, including Colonel (Rtd) Shaw Matemachani, the late Cde Thomas Bvuma and many other gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe.
Minister Mugadza said the conferment of national hero status was a fitting honour for a man who dedicated his life to serving and protecting others, describing Major General Ruwodo as a leader of exceptional integrity who discharged sensitive national responsibilities with distinction.
“He took up arms, not in pursuit of personal recognition, wealth or privilege, but out of an unwavering commitment to liberate his motherland. His courage and selfless sacrifice, together with that of countless comrades, secured the freedom and independence that all Zimbabweans enjoy today.
“At independence in 1980, this humble son of Manicaland rose to become the first black Director of Zimbabwe Army Records, a position of immense responsibility.
“He discharged his duties with exceptional professionalism, integrity and distinction, ensuring that thousands of our gallant troops received their entitlements with dignity and without fail.
“This was no small achievement. Here was a man entrusted with the welfare and records of an entire army, yet he never faltered. He did not seek glory or personal acclaim. Instead, he performed his duties with quiet dignity and unwavering dedication, embodying the values of service before self.
“The conferment of national hero status is therefore more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a solemn declaration by the nation that the sacrifices of Cde Moshe Pwititi shall never be forgotten. It is a promise etched into the history of our nation that, as long as Zimbabwe stands, his name will be spoken with respect and gratitude by generations yet unborn,” said Minister Mugadza.
Representing the family, Mr Lovemore Ruwodo, said the death of Major General Ruwodo left a huge void, describing him as a pillar of strength who consistently championed unity and harmony within the family.
“The passing on of Richard is a devastating loss to our family. He was a loving, caring and humble man who, not only preached unity, but practised it in his daily life. He was dependable, reliable and always placed the interests of others ahead of his own.
“It will be difficult to find another family member like him. Whenever there were disagreements or disputes within the family, he would make every effort to ensure that they were resolved amicably so that unity prevailed.
“As a family, we are deeply humbled that his contributions and good deeds were recognised, not only within the family and community, but also at national level. He served his country with distinction in the military and has now been honoured with national hero status,” said Mr Ruwodo.
War veterans’ representative, Cde Gift Kagweda said Major General Ruwodo belonged to a rare generation of young people who willingly abandoned personal comfort to join the liberation struggle and remained loyal to their country long after Independence.
“He went to war under extremely difficult conditions, yet he never lost sight of the mission. He fought gallantly with limited resources, dodged enemy bullets, and survived relentless attacks from fighter jets, all because of his love for Zimbabwe.
“He never sold out and never abandoned the struggle. The freedom and independence we enjoy today are a direct result of the sacrifices made by brave cadres such as Major General Ruwodo.
“His patriotism did not end at independence. He continued serving the nation in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with the same commitment and dedication that had distinguished him during the liberation struggle,” said Cde Kagweda.
Chief Mutasa said Major General Ruwodo’s life demonstrated that loyalty, sacrifice and commitment to one’s country would always be recognised and rewarded.
“The life and death of Major General Ruwodo teach us an important lesson: there is honour in loyalty and service. From a young age, he remained faithful to his country and never wavered in his commitment to Zimbabwe. Today, his country has recognised that loyalty by conferring upon him National Hero status.
“He was not forced to join the liberation struggle. It was his deep love for Zimbabwe that compelled him to cross the border and take up arms. He endured the hardships of life in the bush, often without adequate food, clothing or shelter, because he believed in the dream of a free Zimbabwe.
“After Independence, he was entrusted with key positions in the army, a clear testament to his reliability, competence and patriotism. He ran his race with honour and distinction. He never looked back and remained committed to serving his nation until the very end,” said Chief Mutasa.
Moffat Mungazi