National hero Mpabanga’s decorated service to the nation

Zimpapers Reporter

THE nation has once again been thrown into mourning following the passing of yet another gallant fighter, Brigadier General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga. He died on 9 February 2026 at Gwanda General Hospital after a long illness. He was 69.

EARLY LIFE
Brigadier General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga, whose nom de guerre was Cde Moffat Nkomo, was born on 31 August 1956 at Manama Mission Hospital in Matabeleland South Province to Jonas Mpabanga and Rosina Mpabanga (née Maphala). He was the fourth of six children: Gildah, Ernest, Davis, Skhulile Simpson and Lot.

In 1963, he enrolled at Mapate Primary School before transferring to Beitbridge Primary School, where he completed his primary education. In 1971, he enrolled at Manama Mission for secondary education, later moving to Matobo Secondary School where he completed his Ordinary Level studies in 1974.

PRE INDEPENDENCE POLITICAL LIFE
Deeply outraged by the racially inspired inequalities and institutionalised injustices that characterised the Rhodesian minority regime, Cde Mpabanga left through the Mapate area, moving towards Gobazhangu via the Shashe River en-route to Selebi-Phikwe in Botswana. While attempting to cross into Zambia with fellow comrades, he clashed with Rhodesian forces along the Shashe River, making the journey perilous. Through determination and resistance, he persevered and joined the liberation struggle under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) in 1977.

Cde Mpabanga spent three months detained at Selebi-Phikwe Prison with his uncle Raphel Mpabanga, Martin Kukubele, Sibusiso Mpabanga and Smoyi Dube. Alongside other youths eager to join the liberation war, they were airlifted to Nampundwe in Zambia, where they met Cdes Madubeko, his brother Lot Mpabanga, Teddy Moyo (a commander), Busobenyoka, Sthunywa, Enos Malandu, Leonard Masina, Doncan Samungwe and Masotsha Dube.

He stayed at Nampundwe Camp for three months before commencing basic military training in 1977 at Mulungushi Camp under the Zambian Army, assisted by ZIPRA cadres including Cephas Khupe, Gedi Dube and Marshal Mpofu.

In 1978, he was selected for further military training in Odessa, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), completing the programme in 1979 with fellow trainees including Sthunywa Makhado, Martin Kukubele, Finland Bhebhe and Dresden. Their commander was Cde Madubeko, who also served as Military Commissar. After returning from Russia, Cde Mpabanga was appointed an instructor at Solwezi before being deployed to Siyavonga along the Zambezi River under the command of Cde Chipa. At ceasefire, he was deployed to Papa Assembly Point.

POST INDEPENDENCE LIFE
During his distinguished military career in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Mpabanga completed various professional courses including: Company Group Commanders Course at Inkomo Barracks (1983), Company Group Commanders Course 1/(8) at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (1987), Senior Officers Radio Users Course at the Zimbabwe School of Signals (1989), Junior Staff Course Number 26 at the Zimbabwe Staff College (1995) and Joint Command and Staff Course Number 11 at the Zimbabwe Staff College (1990).

Brigadier General (Rtd) Mpabanga held several key appointments, among them: Officer Commanding 31 Infantry Battalion (1980-1982), Officer Commanding 28 Infantry Battalion (1982-1983), Officer Commanding Support Weapons at All Arms Battle School (1983-1987), Officer Commanding at the Zimbabwe School of Infantry (1988-1989), Officer Commanding at All Arms Battle School (1989-1992), General Staff Officer Grade 2 at All Arms Battle School (1992-1994), Directing Staff Junior Division at the Zimbabwe Staff College (1998-2000), Head of Wing Junior Division at the Zimbabwe Staff College (2000-2002), General Staff Officer Grade 1 Staff Duties at Army Headquarters (2002-2005), Commanding Officer 41 Infantry Battalion (2005-2007), Staff Officer Grade 1 Policy at ZDF Headquarters (2008-2010), Staff Officer Grade 1 Other Ranks at Army Headquarters (2010-2012), Defence Attaché to the Republic of Zambia (2016-2021) and Adjutant General’s Pool (2021-2022).
During his service, he rose through the ranks: Private (1980), Lieutenant (1981), Captain (1987), Major (1988), Lieutenant Colonel (1999), Colonel (2018) and Brigadier General (2022, upon retirement).

Brigadier General (Rtd) Mpabanga received numerous honours recognising his dedication and exemplary service, including the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, DRC Campaign Medal and the Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.

Hero status
Following his passing, the Politburo, led by His Excellency President Dr ED Mnangagwa, unanimously accorded him National Hero status in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to the liberation struggle, national unity and the development of post-independence Zimbabwe.

He is survived by his wife, Sethekele Mpabanga, four children – Nisbett, Michael, Thulisile Naomi — and four grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest today (Wednesday) at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.

Rest in peace son of the soil!
Zorora murugare gamba ramagamba!
Lala ngokuthula qhawe lama qhawe!