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.
President Mnangagwa joins mourners
President Mnangagwa, who is accompanied by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of the national hero.
On arrival, the President joined the funeral procession.
The President and First Lady have since taken their seats as proceedings get underway.
Family hails Maj-Gen (Rtd) Dzihwema’s legacy of humility and service
The family of the late Major General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema has described him as a humble, compassionate and selfless leader whose legacy of service, integrity and patriotism will continue to inspire generations to come.
Speaking during the late national hero’s funeral, his sister, Mrs Prisca Chipfuriro thanked President Mnangagwa for according her brother the country’s highest honour.
“On behalf of the Dzihwema family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the President for affording our late father and brother the highest honour in the land through the conferment of national hero status,” she said.
Mrs Chipfuriro said the late Major General devoted his life to serving both his family and the nation with distinction.
“Today, we are not only saying goodbye to a father. We are bidding farewell to a loving husband, a caring son, a devoted father, a respected leader and a friend to so many. He was a man of gentleness, kindness and compassion.”
She said the late liberation war veteran believed strongly in education and encouraged his children to pursue higher learning.
“He believed education was the one true equaliser, and that conviction shaped how he raised his own family. His commitment inspired all his children to complete their studies and attain Master’s Degrees,” she said.
Mrs Chipfuriro also recalled his commitment to community development, saying he mobilised villagers to repair roads and supported vulnerable people without expecting anything in return.
“He had an amazing gift of bringing people together. Whenever there was discouragement, he offered hope. Above all, he was generous, professional, courageous, full of integrity and was a natural leader. He treated everyone with dignity regardless of their status,” she said.
Describing the void left by his passing, she said: “To us, he was more than a father. He was our protector, teacher, counsellor, encourager and role model. Whenever we needed advice, he was there. Whenever we stumbled, he lifted us up. Whenever we succeeded, he celebrated with genuine joy.”
She urged the family to preserve the values he stood for.
“The legacy that he leaves behind must be carried on. It is now our duty to uphold his vision and continue serving our family, our community and our nation,” she said.
President applauds Major-General (Rtd) Dzihwema hard work and consistency
In his eulogy, President Mnangagwa began by conveying his heartfelt condolences to the Dzihwema family.
“The late national hero was a veteran of the armed liberarion struggle.
“As a distinguished cadre and officer, he selflessly served our beloved motherland Zimbabwe,” he said.
The President said the late national hero had left a footprint of consistency and hard work.
He then chronicled Major-General (Rtd) Dzihwema’s journey from birth to his untimely demise.
“He devoted his energy and professional expertise for the realisation of set national priorities,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President also challenged the country’s youth to emulate the selflessness exhibited by the country’s national heroines and heroes, adding that the country’s interests should be protected by everyone.
“Let us not neglect this duty,” he said.
He went on to assure those returning from the Diaspora that their re-integration into their respective communities will be seamlessly facilitated by Government as various measures have been put in place.
National hero laid to rest
