Prof Chinyanga declared National Hero as Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo is laid to rest

Zvamaida Murwira and Joseph Madzimure Zimpapers Writers

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared Zimbabwe’s pioneering anaesthesiologist Professor Herbert Chinyanga a National Hero in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the country’s medical profession, while national hero Major General (Retired) Richard Ruwodo will be buried at the National Heroes Acre today.

Prof Chinyanga, who pioneered anaesthesia as a specialist discipline in Zimbabwe and spearheaded the establishment of specialist training in the field, died on July 2 in South Africa, where he had been receiving treatment. He was 87.

The message conferring national hero status was delivered yesterday by Zanu-PF Secretary for Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, during a visit to the family’s Harare residence.

“After considering his immense contribution to the development of the medical fraternity in Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa and the entire party leadership have conferred national hero status on Prof Chinyanga. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course,” said Dr Mombeshora.

The family described Prof Chinyanga as a distinguished scholar, visionary leader and mentor whose life was defined by service, excellence and unwavering integrity.

In 2023, the Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZiMA) honoured him with its Excellence in Teaching Award in recognition of more than three decades of outstanding teaching and mentorship in the country’s healthcare sector.

A renowned medical doctor, scientist and specialist in anaesthesia and intensive care, Prof Chinyanga mentored generations of biomedical science students and medical specialists at the University of Zimbabwe, the University of Ghana and the University of Toronto, among other institutions.

He served at the University of Zimbabwe from 1985 until his retirement and devoted much of his professional life to strengthening the Zimbabwe Anaesthetic Association while helping establish specialist anaesthesia training programmes that continue to benefit the country’s health sector.

Born on July 26, 1939, in Gwelo, now Gweru, Prof Chinyanga is survived by his son, Farayi, and three grandchildren. His wife died three years ago.

Veteran urologist and specialist surgeon Mr Christopher Samkange described Prof Chinyanga as the architect of structured specialist anaesthesia training in Zimbabwe.

“Few people recognise his valiant defence of the diploma in anaesthesia, which was relatively easy to implement and ensured the delivery of safe anaesthesia beyond the major cities, especially at district hospital level,” he said.

“I spoke at the Anaesthetic Association farewell luncheon for Prof Chinyanga. He was first and foremost a great doctor, a warm human being, an exceptional leader and a mentor who cared without limits.”

Mr Samkange said Prof Chinyanga’s greatest legacy lies in the many specialists he trained and inspired throughout his distinguished career.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa will today preside over the burial of national hero Maj Gen (Rtd) Richard Ruwodo at the National Heroes Acre.

Thousands of mourners from across the country are expected to attend the burial of the decorated liberation war veteran and retired senior military officer.

Ahead of today’s burial, Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo’s remains were airlifted from Charles Gumbo Barracks to Soft Farm in Macheke for a brief family ceremony before being flown to Farm One, Tsonzo, Watsomba, under Chief Mutasa in Manicaland Province, where a provincial send-off ceremony was held. His body was later returned to Harare to lie in state at his Glen Lorne residence.

Family spokesperson and nephew, Mr Owen Ruwodo, thanked President Mnangagwa for conferring national hero status on the former military commander.

“We are deeply honoured by this recognition of his immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation and national development. When the Minister of Defence and Zanu-PF National Chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, conveyed the message of his conferment on Friday, it was a profound moment for our family,” he said.

“She gave a detailed account of the man he was and the immense contribution he made to the liberation struggle and nation-building.”

During the liberation struggle, Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo operated under the nom de guerre Moshe Pwititi.

Born on March 14, 1954, in Samushonga Village under Headman Munhama in Chief Mutasa’s area of Mutare District, Manicaland Province, he attended Mutasa Primary School before completing his secondary education at Highfield Secondary School in Harare between 1969 and 1972.

He joined Bata Shoe Company in 1973 as a salesman and later rose to become a relief manager before answering the call to join the liberation struggle in 1975.

Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo was among the third group of ZANLA cadres to receive military training at Chimoio in Mozambique alongside Colonel (Rtd) Shaw Matemachani and the late Thomas Bvuma.

Following Independence, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army, rising through the ranks to become Lieutenant in 1981, Lieutenant Colonel in 1982, Colonel in 1984, Brigadier-General in 1988 and Major-General before retiring in 2008.

After retirement from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, he served as Principal Director for War Veterans in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs.

Beyond his distinguished military career, Maj Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo was respected as a devoted family man, community leader and philanthropist who supported fellow war veterans and the dependants of fallen liberation fighters.

He is survived by his wife, Loise, three children — Tatenda Ashleigh, Thabiso Lisa and Tinodiwa — and four grandchildren.