adminRetired Col Chanetsa, whose Chimurenga nom de guerre was Clever Patiripakashata, died after a long illness at Parirenyatwa Hospital and was declared a liberation war hero.
His wife Majory and children Tafadzwa, Tatenda and Takudzwa, relatives, friends and senior army officers attended the parade.
Speaking at the parade, Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba said Retired Col Chanetsa’s death was a huge loss to the nation.
“His untimely death is very saddening and painful, not only to the family but to all freedom fighters and peace-loving Zimbabweans who fought gallantly for the independence of our beloved country in the highest esteem,” he said.
Maj Gen Nyikayaramba said Retired Col Chanetsa worked tirelessly during and after the liberation struggle.
“It is a tough time for us since we worked and stayed together for many years.
“His work in the Zimbabwe National Army was immense and special and we will not forget him since we went through torrid moments together.
“It was tough during the Second Chimurenga because we did not know what the future held for us and who would emerge as a survivor.
“He could have chosen another job but he opted to join the liberation struggle since he was greatly concerned and inspired with peace and racial balance,” he said.
Retired Col Chanetsa was born in Chiweshe where he grew up and attended school before being involved in politics at the age of 19.
He abandoned his Ordinary Level studies in Chiweshe in 1976 to join the liberation struggle in Mozambique.
He was sent to Tanzania for basic military training and returned to Mozambique on completion before being deployed in the Manica Province in Zimuto until the ceasefire.
In 1980, Ret Col Chanetsa returned home and finished his secondary education through correspondence.
After independence Ret Col Chanetsa was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army as a Private before further training and rose through various ranks.
In 2005, he suffered a mild stroke resulting in his retirement on January 18 in 2006 from his post where he was responsible for army equipment.
Retired Col Chanetsa received several awards including the Independence Medal, Liberation Medal, Ten years of Service Medal, Fifteen Years Long Exemplary Medal,
Mozambique Campaign Medal, DRC Campaign Medal and the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.
Retired Col Chanetsa will be buried today at the Harare Provincial Heroes Acre.
Online Reporter