Online Reporter
Bulawayo Bureau
NATIONAL hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga has been described as a dedicated patriot, who worked tirelessly for Zimbabwe’s development and the growth of the Zimbabwe National Army.
President Mnangagwa yesterday conferred national hero status on the late nationalist in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the liberation struggle and post-independence military service.
Brig-Gen (Retd) died on Monday at Gwanda Provincial Hospital after a long illness.
He was 69.
ZANU PF War Veterans League director Cde Voltan Ekem Moyo thanked President Mnangagwa for recognising the late hero’s contributions to both the liberation struggle and national development.
“Brigadier-General Samuel Mpabanga is a true definition of a man who dedicated his life to both country and the Zimbabwe National Army. We want to thank President Mnangagwa for recognising the good work of our fallen hero,” he said.
“After independence, we kept in close touch with Brigadier-General Mpabanga as we were neighbours here in Sauerstown suburb in Bulawayo, and whenever we met, we talked a lot about our time in the liberation struggle.”
Family spokesperson Mr Stephen Mbizo said the family welcomed the conferment of national hero status, describing it as a fitting recognition of Brig-Gen (Retd) Mpabanga’s lifelong service.
“As the Mpabanga family, we are happy and appreciate that President Mnangagwa and the ruling party, ZANU PF, saw it prudent to honour my brother with national hero status,” he said.
“My brother worked tirelessly for the nation and the Zimbabwe National Army.
“We are also grateful for the support that we continue to get from Government since we lost our beloved brother on February 9.”
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 ZIPRA 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 (Retd) 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 ZIPRA 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.
He joined the Zimbabwe National Army on July 12, 1980 and retired from active service on August 31, 2022.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 4, McGee Road, Sauerstown, Bulawayo.
