Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
THE remains of veteran historian, journalist and National Hero Cde Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu were exhumed from Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo on Tuesday ahead of his reburial at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Thursday.
President Mnangagwa recently conferred National Hero status on Cde Gwakuba Ndlovu, alongside four other liberation war stalwarts, Cde Petros Khumalo, Cde Shumirai Wekwete, Cde Joseph Zethi Dube and Cde Herbert Zaba Sambo, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and national development.
Cde Gwakuba Ndlovu’s remains will be reinterred at the National Heroes Acre together with those of Cde Herbert Zaba Sambo, Brigadier-General Gibbs Kachana and Professor Sheunesu Mpepereki.
The solemn exhumation ceremony was witnessed by members of the Gwakuba family, led by his widow, Mrs Caroline Gwakuba and daughter, Ms Chipo Gwakuba.
Also present were Zanu-PF Politburo member and Bulawayo Senator Cde Molly Mpofu, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and other Government representatives who supervised the exercise.
Cde Gwakuba Ndlovu died on July 16, 2021, at the United Bulawayo Hospitals after succumbing to a heart ailment. He was 82.
Widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s foremost historians and journalists, Cde Gwakuba Ndlovu devoted much of his life to documenting the country’s liberation history, preserving national heritage and mentoring generations of media practitioners.
His elevation to National Hero status is recognition of his lifelong commitment to the liberation struggle, nation-building and the preservation of the country’s historical narrative.
The reburial at the National Heroes Acre forms part of this year’s Heroes Day commemorations, held under the theme “Lest We Forget,” which celebrate the sacrifices made by the country’s liberation heroes and heroines in securing Zimbabwe’s independence.
