Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande-Mashonaland Central Bureau
A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed Bindura Provincial Heroes Acre on Monday as relatives, friends and members of the community gathered to bid farewell to veteran freedom fighter Cde Felix Chinoro, affectionately known by his Chimurenga name, Cde Gweje Gweje.
Cde Chinoro, who died recently at age 69, was remembered as a principled patriot whose life was marked by humility, sacrifice and unwavering service to Zimbabwe.
In his eulogy, Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Christopher Magomo hailed Cde Chinoro as “a gallant son of the soil” whose contributions to the liberation struggle and post-independence development would not be forgotten.
“Go well, gallant son of the soil. Your journey on this earth may have ended, but your legacy will live on in the hearts of those who strive for freedom, empowerment and development,” he said.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister, Monica Mavhunga, thanked President Mnangagwa and the ruling party ZANU PF for conferring provincial hero status on Cde Chinoro.
“We also thank his family for giving us a gallant son of the soil,” she said.
“I urge all Zimbabweans to appreciate the great work done for us to attain independence. Our focus now should be to ensure economic freedom.”
Cde Chinoro’s daughter Moreblessing described her father as a quiet, but powerful force in the lives of those he loved.
“It is an honour to stand before you today to speak about our beloved father, a true hero,” she said.
“We are deeply humbled to have him recognised among the heroes and heroines of our province.
“Our gratitude goes to the Government, the nation and everyone who has supported us during this time of profound sorrow.”
She described her father as a man of few words but immense strength.
“He was our rock. He never let us down, even in the hardest of times,” she said.
“His strength wasn’t loud or attention-seeking. He protected us, guided us and loved us unconditionally. His laughter filled our home.
“His kindness made everyone feel welcome. Though he has left us, his spirit lives on in everything he taught us.”
Born on February 20, 1955, in Chimuzinga Village, Mudzi District, Cde Chinoro was the youngest of five siblings.
He attended Rainham Primary School in Dzivaresekwa. After school, he started working but the injustices faced by the black majority under colonial rule compelled him to abandon his job in 1976 and join the liberation struggle.
He received military training at Takawira Base 2 in Mozambique and was deployed to Gaza Province under the command of Cde Matanga.
In 1977, he was injured in combat and received treatment in Mozambique. After the ceasefire, he was among those who assembled at the Democracy Assembly Point, marking the beginning of the transition to independence.
Following Zimbabwe’s Independence in 1980, Cde Chinoro reintegrated into civilian life and worked at PG Industries for over nine years.
Determined to continue growing, he enrolled in an adult literacy programme at Speciss College, a testament to his commitment to both personal development and nation-building.
During the Land Reform Programme, he was allocated a plot at Pemindio Park Farm, where he actively contributed to local food security and community empowerment.
From 2000 to 2009, he served as secretary for Land in the ZANU PF Bindura District executive, playing a key role in advancing land reform and the party’s developmental agenda.
Cde Chinoro was buried with full provincial honours. He is survived by his wife, four children and seven grandchildren.
