Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure, joseph.madzimure@zimpapers .co.zw
THOUSANDS of mourners yesterday thronged the National Heroes Acre to bid farewell to Brigadier-General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga, whose life of service during and after the liberation struggle was celebrated as one defined by wisdom, discipline and unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe.
Relatives and colleagues described the late Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mpabanga as an embodiment of knowledge and strategic leadership, whose contributions in the defence sector and commitment to community development left a lasting imprint on the nation.
The atmosphere at the National Heroes Acre was a blend of solemn mourning and celebration, reflecting deep respect for a man whose vision and work resonated beyond the military to touch rural communities across the country.
Mourners began arriving at dawn, and as crowds steadily filled the shrine to capacity, the turnout became a testament to the impact of a liberation fighter who joined the struggle at a young age and remained committed to national service throughout his life.
Delivering a eulogy, his close associate Brigadier-General (Retired) Can Moyo said the late national hero’s dedication and professionalism would continue to inspire future generations.
“First of all, I would like to say we worked together with the late national hero for a long time in the Defence Forces. Most of the time, I worked with him from independence up to now. He was always in operations and training departments while I was in logistics,” said Brig-Gen (Rtd) Moyo.
He described Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mpabanga as a devoted professional and strategist who played a key role in planning, policy formulation and operational development within the Defence Forces.
“We supported each other during our working days. He was a strategist, a loyal colleague, a developer and a family man,” he said.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluve, who worked alongside the late national hero during and after the liberation struggle, commended President Mnangagwa for recognising one of the country’s gallant sons.
“To us in Matabeleland South, it is a great honour,” he said.
“It shows that heroes are recognised by their deeds regardless of where they come from. Independence was not handed to us on a silver platter; it was achieved through sacrifice,” he said.
“As a province, we are proud one of our own is being interred here today.
“But as Zimbabweans, we are reminded that independence was not handed to us on a silver platter.
“In the war, we did not fight for positions; we sacrificed our lives for the independence of Zimbabwe.”
Family members also paid tribute to the late national hero, describing him as an intelligent and compassionate leader devoted to both national service and family life.
His brother, Mr Stephen Mbizo, expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa and Government for conferring him with national hero status.
“We express our gratitude to His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, and the entire leadership for according my brother national hero status,” said Mr Mbizo.
He described his brother as an intelligent man who sacrificed his life to serve the country with distinction.
“Brigadier-General (Rtd) Samuel Mpabanga was an astute leader who worked tirelessly for his family and the nation at large. He gave financial support to those in need as a form of empowerment both at community and family level,” Mr Mbizo said.
He noted that the late national hero was a man of few words with very constructive ideas.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu