Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
A SOMBRE atmosphere enveloped Marondera Provincial Heroes Acre during the burial of Cde Tawanda Felix Machando over the weekend, where hundreds of people gathered to pay their last respects.
Cde Machando, who was a national member in the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Collaborators Association (ZILWACO), was declared a provincial hero upon his demise recently.
Officiating at the burial, Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, described the late hero as someone who was humble and dedicated to a free Zimbabwe.
“Today, our nation bows its head in sorrow, yet raises its heart in celebration. We are gathered here to lay to rest a humble giant, a dedicated cadre, and a patriot of our beloved Zimbabwe Cde Machando.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and the First Secretary of ZANU PF party, all the Zimbabweans and Mashonaland East Province in particular, I extend the deepest and most profound condolences to you all from the Machando family, Cde Felix’s friends, and his comrades in arms here present. We share in your grief, for we have lost a son whose contribution to our freedom and security was immeasurable,” he said.
Adv Ndudzo said Cde Machando’s revolutionary journey began long before the attainment of the country’s independence.
He was a product of the struggle, a young man whose love for his country compelled him to take up the cause of liberation. His first major assignment was a monumental task, to open the Matabeleland North Chapter, starting from the rugged terrains of Kamativi.
From Kamativi, his revolutionary zeal took him across vast territories. Cde Machando moved to Hwange, where he did not simply pass through, but planted the seeds of consciousness.
Adv Ndudzo said that is where he began the crucial work of raising awareness about the existence of ZILWACO; the organisation founded to unite all comrades who emerged from the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) and Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) ranks.
“He understood, even then, that the unity forged in the trenches must be preserved in peace.
“He dedicated himself to this cause tirelessly, later extending these awareness meetings to cover the entire Matabeleland South Province, ensuring that no comrade was left behind and that the legacy of our united front remained strong,” said Adv Ndudzo.
ZILWACO chairperson Cde Pupurai Togarepi commended Government and ZANU PF for recognising war collaborators. He said war collaborators played a crucial role during the liberation war, which freed Zimbabwe.
“When we bury a war collaborator, let us bear in mind that he or she is someone who dedicated and sacrificed life to free this nation.
“The independence of Zimbabwe did not just come easily. People died. War collaborators died.
