Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
VETERAN broadcaster and liberation war hero Cde Gray Nelson Gambiza Moyo was laid to rest at his farm in Mhangura, Mashonaland West, on Sunday.
Cde Moyo died last week after battling prostate cancer for four years.
He was 68.
Family, fellow war veterans and friends described Cde Moyo as a dedicated cadre who remained committed to serving Zimbabwe after independence through broadcasting, community development and farming.
His son, Mr Blessing Moyo, said his father instilled discipline and hard work in his children.
“Our father taught us to respect one another, to work hard and to remain disciplined.
“He always encouraged us to value family, support one another and work tirelessly towards achieving our goals,” said Mr Moyo.
Fellow war veteran Cde Ronnie Masango said Cde Moyo used his voice and influence to mobilise support for the liberation struggle and later promoted Zimbabwean culture and history through broadcasting.
“Cde Gambiza Moyo used his voice and influence to encourage more cadres to join the liberation struggle,” he said.
“He was committed to ensuring Zimbabwe’s independence, and even after independence he continued serving the country through broadcasting. He also worked tirelessly to instil cultural values, discipline and an appreciation of our history among the post-independence generation.”
Politburo member and fellow war veteran Cde Andy Mhlanga described Cde Moyo as a hardworking cadre whose contribution to the country continued long after independence.
“He was a hardworking cadre whose contribution to Zimbabwe did not end at independence,” he said.
“His service continued for decades, particularly through broadcasting, community development and supporting the welfare of fellow war veterans.”
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, who was represented by Makonde District Assistant Administration Officer Mrs Muchavanesu Madhiwa, urged Zimbabweans, particularly the youths, to emulate Cde Moyo’s patriotism and discipline.
“The late Cde Gambiza Moyo, together with other liberation fighters, made immense sacrifices for Zimbabwe’s independence,” she said.
“They endured difficult conditions and remained committed to the liberation of this country. They managed to achieve this through discipline and focus. They did not allow drugs and substance abuse to distract them from their mission.
“This should be an important lesson to our youths today. They must remain disciplined, avoid drugs and substance abuse, and focus on contributing positively to Zimbabwe’s development.”
Cde Moyo joined the liberation struggle in 1977 and received military training in Tanzania before undergoing further training in Egypt.
After Independence, he joined the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, where he became a popular presenter on Radio Zimbabwe.
Cde Moyo hosted several programmes, including Zvisikwa Zvesango, and worked alongside renowned broadcasters such as the late John Masuku, Joe Panganayi Mukaronda and Sam Sibanda.
Beyond broadcasting, Cde Moyo was involved in community development, farming and supporting fellow war veterans.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs Rejoice Moyo, five children and six grandchildren.
