Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukodiwa in KADOMA
WAR veteran and brother to Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo, Cde Hliziyo Msindazi, was buried at his Alabama plot in Kadoma yesterday.
Cde Msindazi died last Wednesday after a short illness.
Relatives, fellow liberation war fighters and Government officials described Cde Msindazi as a man who dedicated his life to liberating and serving the nation.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said Cde Msindazi and others of his generation fought to liberate the country, and now everyone should participate in the economic war.
“Cde Msindazi fought the war of liberation, but the war is not over yet. We now face the economic war, which needs everyone’s participation,” said Minister Chombo.
“This war is fought by everyone, including those regarded as born-frees.”
Government, she said, was pursuing policies that ensured that Zimbabwe attains an upper middle-income status by 2030, anchored on several empowerment programmes targeting youths, women and special interest groups such as war veterans.
Minister Moyo said his brother remained unwavering in advancing Zimbabwean interests before and after Independence.
“His mother struggled to cope when he went to join the war. When others came back at Independence, Hliziyo did not return. Unknown to everyone at the time, he had been sent to Yugoslavia,” said Minister Moyo.
“In Yugoslavia, cadres were being trained to help in running the new administration after independence.”
He joined the police force after his return and worked at Parliament, where he, ironically, had to salute the late Ian Smith and Rhodesian counterparts he had fought during the war.
Minister Moyo thanked the Government and the war veterans’ leadership in Mashonaland West province for applying for liberation hero status for his brother.
Cde Msindazi rose through the police ranks to become a superintendent before he retired to his farm. His son, Dumisani, said his unassuming father remained grounded and committed to the cause of the struggle.
“He was someone very passionate about Zanu PF and Zimbabwe to the end,” said Dumisani.
Reverend Kenneth Mutata, a family relative, said Cde Msindazi had shown dedication and commitment to his country, and the liberation hero status was befitting.
The burial was also attended by Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube, former Mbizo Member of Parliament Cde Vongaishe Mupereri, war veterans and collaborators’ leadership in the province and Zanu PF party members.
He is survived by a wife and seven children.
