Bongani Ndlovu
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has expressed profound grief and sadness following the death of Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, Cde Victor Matemadanda, whom he described as a dedicated struggle veteran whose contribution to the country’s independence, governance and national heritage will be remembered for generations.
In a condolence message on Monday, President Mnangagwa said he learnt with “deep grief and sadness” of the untimely demise of Cde Matemadanda, who died at 66 on Sunday morning.
He said Amb Matemadanda’s political consciousness and involvement in the national liberation struggle dated back to his youthful days as part of the Zimbabwean migrant community that had settled in Zambia to escape persecution in then Rhodesia.
“He readily swapped the relatively quiet and comfortable life of the largely successful Zimbabwean migrant community in Zambia for a fraught one of struggle,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the late diplomat initially worked alongside other nationalists, including the late Cde Patrick Kombayi, mobilising support for liberation fighters and refugees in camps in Zambia and Mozambique.
President Mnangagwa said Cde Matemadanda later became more directly involved in the liberation struggle, including assisting with the transportation of war material using heavy-duty Scania trucks to various operational areas.
The President said it was unfortunate that Zimbabwe has lost the late diplomat before he could complete what he described as a vast project, which had demanded his full attention and energy.
“Under my direction, the Second Republic will ensure these revered sites and shrines are rehabilitated and properly curated. This is the least we can do to honour our fallen heroes and to pay lasting tribute to the late Cde Matemadanda,” he said.
President Mnangagwa extended his heartfelt condolences to the Matemadanda family, describing the late ambassador’s passing as a national loss.
“On behalf of the Party, ZANU PF, Government, my Family and on my own behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Matemadanda family, especially Amai Matemadanda and the children in this their hour of profound grief,” he said.
The President said Zimbabweans should draw solace from Amb Matemadanda’s exceptional contribution to the liberation and development of Zimbabwe.
“Our nation joins them and shares in their grief. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said the President.
Amb Matemadanda, who was serving as Zimbabwe’s envoy to Mozambique and Eswatini, is being mourned across Government, the liberation war veterans’ community and diplomatic circles.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.
