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Herald Reporter
In the heart of Zimbabwe’s struggle for freedom, there stood a man whose actions spoke louder than words, yet his name is less pronounced in our books of history.
This is the story of Mr Devnanda Popatlal, a silent hero whose dedication to the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe was as unwavering as it was unseen.
He played a pivotal role in the establishment and support of ZANU’s operations in Mozambique.
Some of Mr Popatlal’s contributions included the following:
Establishing financial foundations
In 1976, Mr Popatlal, alongside Christopher Mandizvidza, facilitated the opening of ZANU’s first bank account at the Bank of Maputo, setting a financial base for the movement.
Creating an operational base
He was instrumental in setting up the first ZANU office in Maputo, furnishing it with necessary equipment, a secure safe, stationery, and the inaugural telephone system.
Beyond procurement, Mr Popatlal ensured the maintenance of these facilities and covered all operational costs, including utilities and transportation, often using his personal vehicles to ferry party delegates across Mozambique.
Administrative collaboration
Mr Popatlal worked intimately with ZANU leaders, such as Edgar Tekere, Nathan Shamuyarira, Ernest Kadungure, Didymus Mutasa and Christopher Mandizvidza, contributing significantly to the administrative duties of the movement.
Supporting comrades’ welfare
Through his shop, ELIELA, he provided essential items like shoes, clothing, tools, blankets, plates, cups and other equipment to the comrades.
He also facilitated connections with international aid organisations for additional support, such as CARITAS, Lutheran World Federation, International Committee of Red Cross and the Netherlands Embassy
Upholding loyalty and principles
His steadfast loyalty was evident as he handled sensitive information regarding ZANU’s operations, maintaining confidentiality, despite the risks involved.
Extending hospitality
Mr Popatlal’s generosity extended to his personal life, where he hosted numerous ZANU officials, providing them with shelter and risking his family’s safety in the process.
He hosted comrades like Simon Muzenda, Josiah Magama Tongogara, Emmerson Mnangagwa (now President of Zimbabwe), Herbert Ushewokunze, Edgar Tekere, Ernest Kadungure, Didymus Mutasa, Charles Dauramazi, Mayor Urimbo, and Nathan Shamuyarira, among others.
Contributions in health
First aid support: Mr Popatlal provided essential supplies for a First Aid course at a military hospital in Maputo, Mozambique.
Assistance to amputees: He offered aid to amputees residing in a house in Machava.
Maternity supplies: He supplied necessary maternity items to women in need.
Funeral expenses: Mr Popatlal covered funeral costs for fallen comrades, such as Peter Baya, a member of the Central Committee who died on August 11, 1978, and Tafi Tichatonga who died on November 28, 1978 due to a bomb explosion at the ZANU office in Maputo.
Educational and cultural enrichment
Equipment provision: He supplied various educational and agricultural equipment, carpentry tools, and science materials.
Cultural support: Mr Popatlal provided uniforms, stationery, bookcases, clothing, pens, food, and musical instruments to foster education and culture.
Building and renovations
Farm rehabilitation: About 54km from Maputo, he helped rehabilitate a farm with irrigation systems, painting, carpentry, plumbing, and provided seeds, tools, and chicken ration. •
Office reconstruction: Following the bombing of the ZANU offices in Maputo in 1978, he aided in rebuilding efforts, including painting, furnishing, and repairing the telephone switchboard.
Political support
Lancaster House Conference: Demonstrating his loyalty, Mr Popatlal travelled to London to support the ZANU delegation. Despite his absence in Maputo, he continued his financial support to help maintain the ZANU offices in Maputo.
1980 Elections: He contributed campaign T-shirts and donated 7 000MT to ZANU leadership for the country’s reconstruction post-elections.
Embassy assistance
Flag Installation: Mr Popatlal installed the metallic pole for the first Zimbabwe flag in Mozambique.
Embassy renovations: He renovated houses for embassy officers and provided them with food and supplies.
Property negotiations: He negotiated the transfer of a significant property to the embassy of Zimbabwe.
Document management: Mr Popatlal managed the collection, packing, and safekeeping of party files and confidential reports.
His dedication to service, sacrifices, and selfless commitment to the betterment of others have been unwavering since Zimbabwe’s independence, and they persist to this day.
Post-Independence service
1987-present: Actively involved in fostering Zimbabwe-Mozambique relations through the Zimbabwe Mozambique Friendship Association (ZIMOFA), serving as the acting chairman.
Humanitarian efforts
Provided education to thousands of Mozambican orphans and children during the civil war.
Delivered food aid and relief to hundreds of thousands in Casa Banana and other Mozambican provinces when no civilians could enter.
Professional roles and achievements
January 1987-present: Consultant in economic and social welfare programmes, focusing on Mozambique.
`January 1998-2004: Served on the Board of Trustees for the Zimbabwe National Army Tsanga Lodge Rehabilitation Centre.
January 2001-December 2003: Board Member, National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).
April 2011-February 2014: Board Member of Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ).
2019-2024: Appointed Board Member of Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, contributing to its financial turnaround.
July 2020-July 2023: Board Chairman of Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), overseeing significant projects and strategic initiatives.
2023-present: Vice president of the Association of Mozambicans Residents in Zimbabwe.
October 2023-present: Board Member of National Handling Services.
Educational achievements
2017: Earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Gloucestershire, the United Kingdom, setting an example for the younger generation.
Other roles
Coordinated the training of the first group of secretaries at Speciss College
Mr Popatlal’s dedication significantly eased the struggle in Mozambique, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s liberation efforts.
His work stands as a pillar of support that will forever be remembered.
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