Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
THE body of national hero Major-General (Retired) Herbert Chingono was yesterday flown to his Rukweza rural home in Makoni South to allow his community, relatives and friends to bid him farewell before burial on Monday at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
Speaking at the funeral service, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza, who was represented by the secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronga, said it had been a sad month for the province as they have lost two heroes, Maj-Gen Chingono and the Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Cosmas Chiringa, who passed on last week.
Adv Mugadza said Maj-Gen (Rtd) Chingono remained consistent to the values of the liberation war.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I stand before you today, not just to mourn a loss, but to celebrate a life dedicated to the liberation, defence and prosperity of our beloved Zimbabwe. On behalf of President Mnangagwa, the Government of Zimbabwe and the people of Manicaland Province, who are grateful for an impeccable record of service, I extend our deepest condolences to the Chingono family for the sad loss of Major-General Dr Herbert Chingono.
“We extended our appreciation to President Mnangagwa for fittingly covering National Hero Status on this decorated soldier, in honour of his service to pre- and post independence Zimbabwe, which he served with colourful valour.”
Family spokesperson and brother Mr Langton Chingono said the family lost a pillar who led them well and was a principled and straightforward man.
“He was the first born in a family of 13 children. As the eldest child he was always exemplary as the figure head. He lived a clean life free of scandals and controversies. He was a strict disciplinarian who wanted things to be done in an orderly manner. He always preached unity and family cohesion and every year he made sure that we had a family get together where we met to discuss issues as siblings,” said Mr Chingono.
ZANU PF Manicaland Provincial Political Commissar and Makoni South Constituency Member of the House of Assembly, Cde Albert Nyakuedzwa said the country and party have been robbed a dedicated and determined carder who fought colonialism and empowerment of the people through the land redistribution exercise.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Chingono was born on January 29 1958, in Makoni District.
Upon completion of Primary education at Handina Primary School, he proceeded to Nyazura Adventist for his Secondary Education.
