Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
NATIONAL hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava, who died on December 25, 2025, has been described as the epitome of patriotism and a disciplined soldier who remained steadfast in preserving the gains of the liberation struggle.
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga was the Chief Mourner at the burial of Brig-Gen (Rtd) Ngarava, who was laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre with full military honours on Tuesday.
Speakers at the solemn ceremony celebrated the life of the late hero, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Elias Chimurenga, honouring his immense contribution before and after Independence.
Addressing mourners at the national shrine, his son, Brighton Ngarava, expressed deep gratitude to President Mnangagwa’s administration for conferring national hero status on his father, describing him as the family’s torch-bearer.
“We gather today under the weight of loss but also in the brilliant light of a legacy. My father, the late Brigadier General Ngarava, was many things to many people. A decorated soldier whose map was the very soil of this country. A war veteran whose weapon was both the rifle and the bow. A farmer and an entrepreneur who built not just businesses but futures,” he said.
He fondly recalled his father’s unwavering dedication.
“And I carry with me a simple enduring memory as I remember him at his desk long after midnight. The faint lights etching lines of concentration on his face,” Brighton said. He added that his father’s life continues to inspire the family to strive for excellence.
In an interview, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Marian Chombo, said Brig Gen Ngarava remained deeply committed to the values of the liberation struggle even after retirement.
“We are grateful for the highest honour conferred on Brig Gen Ngarava. We worked with him well in Mashonaland West Province; he was an adviser who preserved the ethos of the liberation struggle, particularly regarding land, which is why he was one of the prominent farmers in our province. We also want to thank the whole country for mourning with us,” said Minister Chombo.
A colleague, Brigadier General (Retired) Phillip Dikinya, described Brig Gen Ngarava as a true patriot. He recalled their long association, beginning from their service in the army to later becoming fellow farmers in Mashonaland West.
“We are talking about a Brigadier General. I worked with him for a very long time. When I was the depot commander at the Central Ammunition Depot, he was the commander of the Army Clothing Factory.
“That is where we started our interaction—a long interaction from 1996. I later moved to the directorate, and in related departments, we were still together. In ordinance, we stayed together for several years,” said Brig Gen Dikinya.
He also noted a historical connection from the liberation struggle.
“Apart from that, he happened to come to Chivi district in Masvingo province, where I operated during the liberation struggle. It also happened that we got farms in the same area in Banket; we are separated by 10 kilometres and stayed together in Chinhoyi.”
Brig-Gen Dikinya shared a poignant final memory: “Four days before he passed on, I saw him and bade farewell, saying I would be in the rural areas, but he said he would be around in town. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see him.”
Yesterday’s ceremony drew a capacity crowd to the National Heroes Acre as early as 8:00 am. Mourners were treated to performances by various choral groups and the Zimbabwe Republic Police band.
The proceedings commenced in earnest upon the arrival of Acting President Dr. Chiwenga with the hearse.
Brig-Gen Ngarava was laid to rest with full military honours, including a 17-gun salute.
The event was attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet Ministers, legislators, service chiefs, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe and other dignitaries.
