Provincial hero Mandiyanike laid to rest

Mutare Bureau
Manicaland was once again plunged into mourning following the death of another hero, Cde Paul Mandiyanike, who was buried at Manicaland Provincial Heroes Acre yesterday. His death comes barely a fortnight after another freedom fighter, Cde Joseph Nyakatawa, was interred at the shrine. Cde Mandiyanike, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Thomas Zimuto, died on September 4 at Murambi Garden Clinic following a short illness.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

Speaking at Cde Mandiyanike’s burial, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, described the late freedom fighter as a dedicated cadre who was committed to his work.

“Cde Mandiyanike’s untimely departure is a painful loss to us all in Manicaland and the nation at large,” she said. “We should, therefore, appreciate his fountain of wisdom and sense of equality that made him a strong man who could not be moved by freak storms, but one who stood boldly against all odds.

“A committed and dedicated cadre, whose unquestionable qualities and active participation in the liberation struggle made him adorable to masses and thus His Excellency, President Mugabe befittingly accorded him a liberation war hero status.”

Cde Mandiyanike was born on October 10, 1957 and attended Mutanda and Chipfatsura Primary Schools in Marange before enrolling at Hartzell High School for his ZJC.

In 1976, Cde Mandiyanike left the country for Mozambique to join the liberation struggle and was stationed at Doroi Camp.

He went for further training at Chimoio Camp in 1978, before being sent to Romania the same year.

Upon his return home, Cde Mandiyanike was deployed in Mt Darwin where he operated under the Nehanda Sector until ceasefire.

He then joined the Zimbabwe National Army in 1980 and was deployed at 3 Brigade Adam’s Barracks in Mutare and served as a Colour Sergeant until 1989.

Cde Mandiyanike retired from the army in 1994 and started farming at his plot in Himalaya, Mupudzi area until the time of his death.

He becomes the 275th hero to be buried at the Manicaland Provincial Heroes Acre.