Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE late National Hero, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Samuel Mpabanga, who died last week and has been hailed by the community of Matabeleland South and his family for leading an exemplary life, which personified peace, courage, discipline, loyalty and sacrifice.
Brig-Gen Mpabanga’s remains were ferried to his homestead in Mapate area in Gwanda yesterday where his loved ones and scores of people gathered to pay their last respects.
His body was then airlifted to Bulawayo to lie in state at Doves funeral parlour.
A mass service will be held today at the funeral parlour before his body is airlifted to Charles Gumbo Barracks where it will lie in State ahead of burial at the National Heroes Acre tomorrow.
Addressing mourners in Gwanda, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, described the late national hero as an approachable and reflective man, who was deeply committed to the ideals of the liberation struggle.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts, yet with immense pride, as we honour one of Matabeleland South’s finest sons, the late Brigadier-General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga, who has been rightfully declared a National Hero by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” he said.
“This conferment is not merely a title. It is the nation’s solemn recognition of a life wholly dedicated to the service of Zimbabwe, a life defined by courage, discipline, loyalty and sacrifice.”
Having sacrificed his youth to join the liberation struggle, Brig-Gen (Rtd)Mpabanga later joined the Zimbabwe National Army after independence where he dedicated over four decades of his life to building, defending and professionalising the national army.
“He rose through the ranks with distinction, discipline and unwavering patriotism, retiring from active service on 31 August 2022. His journey mirrors the journey of our nation from struggle, to sacrifice, to sovereignty. We are deeply honoured that one of our own has been recognised among the heroes of our land,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said Matabeleland South Province is known for producing resilient sons and daughters who stand firm in defence of their land and heritage.
“To the young people of Zimbabwe, especially those in Matabeleland South, let Brigadier-General Mpabanga’s life be your lesson. Patriotism is not a slogan, it is service,” said the minister.
“Leadership is not position, it is sacrifice. Nation-building requires discipline, integrity and commitment. As we lay our gallant son to rest among the heroes of our land, let us recommit ourselves to the values he stood for — unity, loyalty, peace and national development.”
Relatives and community members described the late national hero as a down to earth man who had people at heart. His young brother Cde Lot Mpabanga said he learnt a lot from his late brother as he was a man of great principles and virtue.
Cde Mpabanga said his late brother always promoted peace.
“We have lost a great man and for me I have lost a mentor. I don’t recall a day when Samuel ever fought with anyone or displayed any rowdy behaviour. He was a peaceful man and this is a trait that he displayed even when we were still children. I learnt a lot from him on how to lead an upright life,” he said.
Mapate village head, Ms Philippa Ndlovu, described the late Brig-Gen Mpabanga as a God-fearing and development-oriented man.
She said the late senior military officer set an example for young people and the entire community and the country at large.
Ms Ndlovu said their community was now highly respected and recognised and respected because of heroic actions of people like the late national hero.
Brig-Gen Mpabanga died at Gwanda Provincial Hospital on Monday last week after a long illness. He was 69.
President Mnangagwa conferred Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mpabanga with the National Hero status on Saturday.
Brig-Gen Mpabanga was the elder brother to the late Major-General (Rtd) Sikhulile Simpson Mpabanga Nyathi, who died in 2022.
The late Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mpabanga, whose Chimurenga name was Moffat Nkomo, was a respected liberation war veteran and senior military officer.
Born on August 31, 1956 in Gwanda, he attended Mapate Primary School and Beitbridge Primary School from 1963 to 1970, before proceeding to Manama Mission (1971 to 1972) and Matobo Secondary School from 1973 to 1974.
He crossed the border to join the liberation struggle as a ZPRA cadre in 1977 and briefly stayed at Mapate before crossing Shashe River with his colleagues headed to Selibe Phikwe in Botswana.
The late Brig-Gen (Rtd) stayed at Selibe Phikwe Prison for three months with his uncle, the late Raphel Mpabanga, Martin Kukubele and the late Sibusiso Mpabanga.
He started military training late 1977 at Mulungushi under the Zambian army, with attachments from ZPRA, who included the late Cephas Khupe and the late Gedi Dube.
From 1978 to 1979, he went for further military training in Odessa, Russia, formerly the Soviet Union.
The late senior army officer joined the Zimbabwe National Army on July 12, 1980 and retired from active service on August 31, 2022.
He also served as a defence attachee at the country’s Embassy in Zambia between 2016 and 2022.
While in Zambia, he oversaw the management and upkeep of liberation war shrines where scores of Zimbabwe’s heroes and heroines are buried.
The late national hero is survived by wife and three children. — @DubeMatutu
