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Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Retired Captain Christopher Magomo has described provincial war hero, Cde Gift Mandipaza, who was buried on Monday as a courageous individual whose steadfast commitment to justice and freedom saw him taking up arms to liberate the country.
Cde Mandipaza (64) who died on December 26 was interred at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Bindura.
In his eulogy during the burial ceremony, Minister Magomo narrated the hero’s liberation history saying legacy is a call to action for all of every Zimbabwean to safeguard the hard-won independence.
“Cde Mandipaza, born on March 5, 1960 in Nyanga, was a courageous individual whose steadfast commitment to justice and freedom led him to join the armed struggle at the tender age of seventeen,” he said.
“Motivated by unwavering desire to combat colonial oppression, he crossed into Mozambique in 1977, where he trained alongside fellow freedom fighters, enduring hardships that would forge his spirit and resolve.
“His journey from the Frelimo camp to the battlefields was not merely a personal quest but a testament to his dedication to the liberation of our motherland. Surviving the Chimoio attack, Cde Mandipaza displayed resilience that inspired many. He played an integral role in the formation of the Zimbabwe National Army, contributing to the establishment of the 1 Mechanised Brigade.”
He also described how the provincial hero contributed towards food security through his farming prowess.
“After retiring from the army, Cde Mandipaza continued to serve his community through agriculture, embracing the land reform program and contributing to the Vision 2030 initiative,” he said.
“His efforts were not just about his own farm at Longcroft but were aimed at uplifting the lives of those around him, ensuring food security and economic sustainability.
“As we bid farewell to this gallant son of the soil, let us reflect on the values he embodied: bravery, loyalty, and an unyielding commitment to our nation’s progress. Cde Mandipaza’s legacy is a call to action for all of us to safeguard our hard-won independence and to remain steadfast in our duty to serve Zimbabwe.”
Online Reporter