Online Reporter
Today, the nation convenes to pay homage to a revered leader as Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava is laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre.
The solemn proceedings will be officiated by Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
On Wednesday, Brig-Gen (Rtd) Ngarava’s body was transported from Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare to Chinhoyi, at his family residence and at Plot 3, Ndudza Farm in Banket.
Yesterday, the community of Mhokore Village in Chivi District was afforded the opportunity to bid farewell, allowing local leaders and citizens to honour his legacy. At 3pm, his remains were returned to Charles Gumbo Barracks.
Join us as our reporter Harmony Agere and photographer Wilson Kakurira brings you updates from this momentous occasion, celebrating the life and contributions of a distinguished national hero.
Zimbabweans converge to bury national hero Brig-Gen Ngarava
Zimbabweans from all walks of life have converged at the National Heroes Acre to bid farewell to National Hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava.
From the early hours of the morning, the sacred shrine has been a hive of activity as ministers, senior civil servants, service chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps and the general public gathered in large numbers to honour the fallen liberation war stalwart.
The atmosphere at Heroes Acre is both solemn and celebratory, reflecting a nation united in remembrance.
Several choirs, among them the vibrant Mbare Chimurenga Choir, Vapostora groups and Young Women for ED, have been leading soul-stirring performances as mourners await the arrival of Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who is expected to preside over the burial ceremony.
As songs of liberation and faith echo across the granite terraces, Zimbabwe pauses to pay tribute to a life dedicated to the struggle for freedom and the defence of the nation.
Vice President Mohadi arrives for Brig-Gen Ngarava burial
Vice President Kembo Mohadi has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of national hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava.
His arrival followed that of the Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, as senior Government officials continue to gather at the national shrine to pay their last respects.
Meanwhile, the body of Brig-Gen (Rtd) Ngarava is expected to arrive shortly, ahead of the commencement of burial proceedings.
National Hero Brig-Gen (Retd) Ngarava’s body arrives at National Shrine
The body of Brig-Gen (Retd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava has arrived at the National Shrine.
Acting President Chiwenga is expected to arrive shortly to lead the funeral procession.
Service Chiefs are now on standby to receive the Acting President.
Acting President Chiwenga arrives
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has arrived at the National Heroes Acre to preside over the burial of Brigadier General (Retd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava.
On arrival, the Acting President inspected the guard of honour before joining the funeral procession.
He has now taken his seat with the director of ceremonies signalling the beginning of the official programme.
Brig-Gen Ngarava’s son pays emotional tribute to father
Mr Brighton Ngarava, son of National Hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava, delivered an emotional address to mourners as the family bid farewell to the fallen liberation war stalwart.
Speaking on behalf of the Ngarava family, Brighton expressed gratitude to the country’s leadership for conferring National Hero status on his father, describing the honour as a recognition of a life wholly dedicated to Zimbabwe.
“As the Ngarava family, we offer our immense gratitude to the country’s leadership for honouring our father with the National Hero status,” he said.
He reflected on Brig-Gen Ngarava’s tireless commitment to duty, recalling nights when he would work long after others had gone to bed.
“I remember him at his desk long after midnight planning for his troops and students,” Brighton said.
Describing his father’s enduring influence, he said the late Brig-Gen Ngarava had left behind a guiding legacy for future generations.
“This is the flame that he left behind, and we gather here today to ensure that flame never dies,” he said.
Brighton said the family and the nation had gathered not just to mourn, but to honour a soldier who devoted his life to service.
“We are here to lay a soldier to rest,” he said.
Drawing parallels between past and present struggles, he noted that while his father fought physical battles during his lifetime, the nation was now engaged in a different kind of fight.
“Our father fought with bullets against invisible enemies, but your Excellency, you are leading us in the fight to turn around the economy,” he said.
He pledged that the family would continue to safeguard the values and sacrifices of Zimbabwe’s heroes.
“We will fight to protect the legacy of our heroes,” Brighton said.
In his closing remarks, he delivered a final salute to his late father, affirming the family’s commitment to the nation Brig-Gen Ngarava served.
“To you, my father, my final salute. You lived for Zimbabwe, and we will rise and continue building its greatness,” he said.
Brig-Gen Ngarava a disciplined soldier
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has described late National Hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava as a disciplined soldier, distinguished patriot and dedicated revolutionary whose life was defined by sacrifice and unwavering service to Zimbabwe.
Addressing mourners at the burial of Brig-Gen Ngarava at the National Heroes Acre today, Dr Chiwenga said the nation had gathered to honour a gallant son of the soil whose passing marked a profound national loss.
“We gather here at the National Heroes Acre to lay to rest a gallant son of Zimbabwe, a distinguished patriot, a disciplined commander and a dedicated revolutionary – Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava,” said the Acting President.
Brig-Gen Ngarava died on Christmas Day, 25 December 2025, at the age of 66.
“He passed on, at the age of 66 on Christmas Day, the 25th of December 2025. His departure, coming as our nation continues to lose veterans of the liberation struggle, constitutes a profound national loss,” Acting President Chiwenga said.
He noted that the country was still mourning the recent burial of another liberation war hero. “It is barely two weeks since we buried another gallant son of the soil, Brigadier-General (Retd) Chimwaza here at this very shrine. We grieve deeply over these sad losses,” he said.
Acting President Chiwenga extended condolences to the Ngarava family on behalf of President Mnangagwa, Government, Zanu PF and the nation at large.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, our nation, the ruling ZANU PF Party, Government, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Ngarava family and the entire nation,” he said.
He urged the family to take comfort in Brig-Gen Ngarava’s exemplary service.
“May you draw comfort from the knowledge that our departed General was a distinguished military officer whose service and sacrifice shall forever be cherished. He remained focused and steadfast in the face of various threats to our sovereignty. Your loss is our collective loss,” Dr Chiwenga said.
The Acting President traced Brig-Gen Ngarava’s life journey, saying he was born on 27 March 1959, in Chivi District, Masvingo Province, to Ngarava Chipfuwa and Wanzirai Takavingeyi. He was the fifth-born in a family of nine.
He attended Shindi Primary School before proceeding to Berejena Mission for secondary education. In October 1976, after writing his Form Two examinations, he left school to join the liberation struggle.
In December 1976, Brig-Gen Ngarava crossed into Mozambique through the Gonarezhou Game Park, later staying at Chibawawa Refugee Camp before being sent to Syria for military training, where he performed exceptionally. He was later deployed to Gaza Province, Sector Four, where he operated until Independence in 1980.
Acting President Chiwenga said Brig-Gen Ngarava’s generation was driven not by ambition, but by an obligation to liberate Zimbabwe.
“Brigadier-General Ngarava’s generation did not choose war out of ambition, they were driven by passion and zeal to liberate the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“They confronted land dispossession, economic exclusion and the systematic denial of social and economic dignity. To liberate Zimbabwe was not an option but an obligation. It was a life of sacrifice, resilience, discipline and commitment. Independence was therefore purchased at a huge cost.”
He added that Brig-Gen Ngarava’s participation in peace campaigns in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo reflected his disciplined approach to regional stability.
“Brigadier-General Ngarava’s participation in the peace campaigns in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo was anchored in a clear strategic objective, the restoration of political stability and the unlocking of sustainable economic growth in those countries,” said Dr Chiwenga.
He said the late general’s ultimate aspiration was to see peace, prosperity and cohesion firmly established in Zimbabwe as a lived reality for every citizen.
National hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava has been laid to rest.
Programme ends.
