War veteran laid to rest

Midlands Bureau Chief
War veteran and a retired Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Sergeant William Kudzedzereka, who died on Saturday and was declared a provincial hero, was buried at Midlands Provincial Heroes’ Acre in Gweru yesterday.

Cde Kudzedzereka (61), whose Chimurenga name was T42VDAI and was living in Mbizo, Kwekwe, died after a short illness.
Addressing family members, senior Government officials and Zanu-PF supporters during his burial, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Larry Mavima said the province and country at large had lost a gallant son who sacrificed his life for the independence of the country.

“I would like to thank you all for coming to assist the Kudzedzereka family bury their beloved son, father and grandfather,” he said.

“He was an astute freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the independence of this country which we are all enjoying today.”
Minister Mavima described the late Cde Kudzedzereka as a loyal and dedicated cadre who served the country and the party, Zanu-PF, diligently.

He said Cde Kudzedzereka was born on August 12 1958 at Mupatsi in Chivhu.
“He did his primary education at Zinatsa Primary School,” said Minister Mavima.
“He left the country and joined the liberation struggle in Mozambique in 1976. He stayed at Doroi Camp.”

Minister Mavima said Cde Kudzedzereka received his military training at Nachingwea in Tanzania in 1977.
“After ceasefire he went to Dzapasi assembly point,” he said.
“He was attested into the ZNA in 1980 where he served until retirement as Sergeant in 2014.

“Due to his dedication, he was awarded the following medals, independence medal, liberation medal, 10 years services medal, long and exemplary service medal, Mozambique campaign medal and the DRC campaign medal.”

Minister Mavima said Cde Kudzedzereka was a member of the Zanu-PF Chitepo B District in Mbizo constituency in Kwekwe.
“Cde Kudzedzereka is survived by his wife, three children and four grandchildren,” he said.
“He will be missed greatly by his family, war veterans, comrades and friends.”