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liberation struggle.
Maj-Gen Maseko (Rtd), whose Chimurenga name was Cde Enock Tshangane, succumbed to diabetes, renal failure and amyloidosis cancer at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo last Monday.
“He has departed from our midst at a time the nation has just been ushered into a new constitutional dispensation meant to consolidate the gains of our national independence and sovereignty.
“It is therefore, very important that within the framework of this constitutional era, the current generation and our posterity diligently safeguard our liberation history, our national values and ethos and indeed the sacrifices paid by our national heroes for the freedom of Zimbabwe.”
Acting President Mujuru described the late Maj-Gen Maseko (Rtd) as a dedicated cadre who was selfless in his contribution to the liberation struggle.
“Coincidentally, we lay to rest Cde Maseko at a time when Africa is celebrating 50 years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now African Union. As we celebrate the accomplishments of the AU, we are also celebrating the selfless life of the hero we lay to rest today, Cde Jevan Ben Maseko and indeed that of all the other heroes of the liberation.”
Proceedings started in the morning with Cde Maseko’s body being taken to Stodart Hall in Mbare where body viewing was conducted.
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Mbare singing revolutionary songs led by Mbare Chimurenga Choir.
Some waved placards which described Maj-Gen Maseko (Rtd) as a loyal commander.
Acting President Mujuru led the body viewing, followed by family members, service chiefs and senior Government officials while a choir from the Roman Catholic Church sang hymns during the proceedings.
The body was then taken to the national shrine for burial.
Acting President Mujuru said Maj-Gen Maseko (Rtd) survived numerous battles during the liberation struggle.
“Maj-Gen Maseko (Rtd) bore the brunt of the liberation struggle as he lived with scars inflicted by an enemy landmine, which blew up the vehicle he was travelling in, together with the late Cde Alfred Nikita Mangena while visiting bases in the frontline along the Zambezi River,” she said.
The late national hero, Cde Mujuru said, was instrumental in the amalgamation of the liberation forces and the Rhodesian army at independence in 1980.
“On attainment of independence, the late Cde Maseko was attested into the ZNA on November 3, 1980. On 16th April 1981, he was appointed to the rank of substantive Major General and September 1, 1984 he was appointed Chief of Staff Administration and Quartermaster.
“He played an active role in the integration of the three warring armies of the time, the two Patriotic forces of Zanla and Zipra on one side and the Rhodesian army on the other,” she said.
Maj-Gen Maseko (Rtd) was awarded the Liberation Decoration (Gold), Independence Medal, 10 year service medal, Long and Exemplary Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal and the Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit.
Maj-Gen Maseko (Rtd) was born on January 1, 1943 at Hope Fountain on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
He did primary education at various schools in Bulawayo from Sub A to Standard Six.
He did a carpentry course at Hope Fountain Mission and a Junior Certificate at Gonakudzingwa.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Maseko also attained a Certificate in Education, Salesmanship and Marketing and had a Bachelor of Science Degree in Politics and Economics from Knightsbridge University in the United Kingdom.
He joined politics in the early stages of the liberation struggle and was arrested and detained at Gonakudzingwa by the Ian Smith regime for his involvement in politics.
He left the country for Botswana in July 1969 en-route to Zambia, then Tanzania where he received military training in infantry at Morogoro Camp for nine months.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Maseko was trained as a military instructor and later as a battalion commander in the USSR (now Russia) and later became a commandant at Morogoro before being deployed to Mozambique during ZIPA as assistant chief of operations in 1975.
In 1976, Maj-Gen Maseko (Rtd) left Mozambique for Zambia where he was appointed assistant chief of operations in Zipra, a position he held up to 1978.
He was then elevated to chief of staff in the wing and served in that post up to 1981 when he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army as chief of staff in charge of logistics.
In 1985 he was given an additional task of administration and served as an administration officer and quartermaster until retirement in 1987.
He was then appointed deputy minister in the then Ministry of Political Affairs from 1988 to 1990.
From 1990 to 1992 he was the Governor for Matabeleland North Province.
Maj-Gen Maseko (Rtd) was then appointed Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Algeria from 1991 to 1994 and the following year (1995) he was appointed Ambassador to Russia.
In August 1999, he was appointed Ambassador to Cuba and served in that post up to December 2009 when he returned home.
He was later appointed ambassador to Angola but did not take up the posting due to ill-health.
Online Reporter