adminHerald Reporter
Cde Rhoderick Nyandoro who died on Monday and was buried yesterday at Glen Forest Memorial Park has been declared a liberation war hero.
He was 84.
Cde Nyandoro was a nationalist who played an important role in the liberation struggle.
He began his political career as a member of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League in 1958 and in 1960 he became a member of resistance activities aimed at dismantling the Rhodesian colonial regime.
At the formation of zapu in 1962 he became a key figure in the party, working together with other revolutionary minded cadres such as George Nyandoro, James Chikerema, Charles Muzengeni, Benjamin Burombo among others.
As a result of his active involvement and perceived violations of repressive Rhodesian laws, he was arrested in 1964 and detained at Marondera Detention Camp.
He stayed in detention with Cdes George Maredza, George Mudukuti and George Kawenda until his release four years later.
He was again arrested in 1976 only to be released just before independence. Upon his release, Cde Nyandoro continued advocating for change, galvanising support for an end to the oppressive rule practised by the minority white settlers who regarded themselves as an elite class.
After the attainment of independence in 1980, Cde Nyandoro remained an active zapu cadre and rose through the ranks to the position of national treasurer of the revolutionary party.
Cde Nyandoro played a pivotal role during the amalgamation of Zanu-PF and zapu. He became a provincial member under Zanu-PF Harare Province after the National People’s Congress in 1988. He was to become the provincial vice chairman and then province chairman in 1996 after the passing on of then provincial chairman the late Cde Herbert Ushewokunze.
He served as provincial chairman and ensured the party structures functioned properly and that unity prevailed with members in leadership positions strictly adhering to provisions of the party constitution. He later served for two terms as a member of the central committee up to 2014, and was elevated by Harare Province.
At the time of his death, he was a member of the National Consultative Assembly.
Cde Nyandoro is survived by his two wives Bennadette Kombe and Rachael Chikanda, 11 Children and several grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at 7485 Unit K Seke, Chitungwiza.
Online Reporter