Online Reporter
Hello Zimbabwe.
Today we are coming to you live from the National Heroes Acre in Harare where President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the burial of national hero Major-General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema today.
Major-General (Rtd) Dzihwema, whose nom de guerre was Cde Kid MaWrong Wrong, passed away on June 25 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.
He was 63.
The national hero’s remains were repatriated to Zimbabwe on July 1.
Stay with us as we bring you live updates from National Heroes Acre, including key proceedings and remarks.
Zimbabwe’s shared moment of honour, grief
The air at the National Heroes Acre is heavy with remembrance. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere feels deliberate and solemn – an environment shaped not just by ceremony, but by gratitude.
Families, colleagues, and mourners gather in quiet clusters, speaking in hushed tones. There is a sense that everyone here understands they are witnessing more than a burial; they are honouring a life that helped define a chapter of Zimbabwe’s story.
As preparations continue, the mood stays steady – reverent rather than restless. The movement of officials and pallbearers is measured, respectful, and purposeful.
Even the pauses between moments feel meaningful, punctuated by the melodies of choirs belting out songs.
Throughout the grounds, there is a lingering reminder of service and sacrifice as mourners reflect on the legacy of Major-General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema – his years of commitment, the values he represented, and the impact that outlives him.
Here, the country has paused to speak in one voice in this shared moment of honour.
One can sense the quiet promise of remembrance: that Major-General Dzihwema’s story will not be allowed to fade, and that his contributions will continue to resonate long after the ceremony ends.
Celebrating a life well-lived
Major-General Dzihwema was declared a national hero in recognition of his distinguished service during the liberation struggle and after Independence.
He served in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces before holding several senior Government positions.
Maj-Gen Dzihwema joined the liberation struggle in 1978 after being assaulted by Rhodesian Security Forces while travelling to obtain a juvenile registration certificate.
The incident strengthened the young Dzihwema’s resolve to take up arms and join thousands of other young Zimbabweans fighting for the country’s independence.
After undergoing military training in Mozambique, he was deployed to the operational front, where he served alongside several prominent liberation war commanders before Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980.
Following independence, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army and steadily rose through the ranks to become a major-general, serving in numerous command and staff appointments.
He occupied several strategic positions, including Company Brigade Staff Officer, Director of Procurement, Director of Finance, and Director-General responsible for Personnel within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).
Following his retirement from active military service in December 2017, Maj-Gen(Rtd) Dzihwema joined the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment as Principal Director before later transferring to the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, where he served as Chief Director until his death.
The accolades he earned during his distinguished career included the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Ten-Year Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, Democratic Republic of Congo Medal and the Grand Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Dzihwema is survived by his wife Alice and three sons.
Service Chiefs arrive
Service Chiefs have arrived at the National Heroes Acre ahead of the burial of national hero Major-General (Rtd) Dzihwema.
Mourners continue to stream into the shrine, joining military officers, Government officials, Zanu PF supporters, affiliates and members of the public to pay their final respects to Major-General (Rtd) Dzihwema.
VPs now at Heroes Acre
Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Dr Kembo Mohadi have arrived for the burial of national hero Major-General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema.
National hero’s remains arrive for burial
A quiet stillness fell over the National Heroes Acre a short while ago as the hearse carrying the body of the late Major-General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema arrived at the shrine.
The hearse, draped in the national flag, made its way slowly to the dais. With the body now at the shrine, the formal proceedings are set to begin.
President Mnangagwa is expected to lead the nation in paying final respects to the national hero.
All eyes are now on the dais as Zimbabwe prepares to bid farewell to one of its distinguished sons of the soil.
Bongani Ndlovu