Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE widow of national hero, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Harold Mtandwa Chirenda, Cde Florence Mankosi Chirenda, has died.
She was 71.
Cde Chirenda passed on in the early hours of Tuesday at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, after a long illness.
Her daughter and family spokesperson, Mrs Glenda Boutell, confirmed the passing, describing her mother as a selfless leader, devoted parent and a matriarch, who upheld strong family and community values.
“Our mother passed away in the early hours of yesterday, after battling a long illness. Growing up, she was a much-loved daughter and sister with strong family values,” said Mrs Boutell.
Born on July 10, 1954, in Kezi District, Matabeleland South, Cde Chirenda began her education at Mtshumayeli Primary School before proceeding to Usher Mission for secondary education. She later studied at Moeng College in Botswana.
A war veteran in her own right, Cde Chirenda made significant contributions during and after Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. In the 1970s, she was sent to Romania under the auspices of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu) to study journalism. It was in Romania, while stationed in Bucharest, that she met her husband, the late Lt-Col (Rtd) Chirenda.
Upon returning to Zimbabwe, she worked as a journalist at the Zimbabwe Inter-Africa News Agency (Ziana) in Harare until retirement. Her passion for storytelling was matched by her business acumen and creativity.
“Her father, the late Mtshumayeli Joseph Ngwenya, was a well-respected businessman in Bulawayo. My mother followed in his footsteps, continuing the Ngwenya legacy through strong entrepreneurship,” said Mrs Boutell.
“She not only had a penchant for business, but also demonstrated a creative flair as a seamstress and keen agriculturalist.
In addition to her journalism and business pursuits, Cde Chirenda was known for her philanthropic spirit. She supported various charitable initiatives and found joy in nurturing her garden, which she often described as a sanctuary for her family.
“She loved nothing more than tending to her beautiful garden, ensuring that her family were welcomed with colourful blooms. When not at her home in Bulawayo, she was often making the long, tortuous journey to her beloved home in Sun Yet Sen, where she continued to grow her family legacy,” said Mrs Boutell.
“A strong matriarch, she will be remembered not only for her role in the liberation of Zimbabwe but also for her resilience, professionalism, and dedication to national development.”
Cde Chirenda is survived by four children, three daughters and a son. Mourners are gathered at number 22 Britannia Avenue in Paddonhurst, Bulawayo. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
Her husband, the late Lt-Col (Rtd) Chirenda, whose nom-de-guerre was Elliot Masengo, died in January 2014 at the United Bulawayo Hospitals and was declared a national hero.
He was among the first group of 19 cadres sent to Kasr El Boughari in Algeria in 1964 for military training. A year later, he enrolled for an Officer Cadet Course at Cherchel Military Academy, graduating in 1966 and qualifying as a Commando.
During his time at Cherchel, he trained alongside notable figures including the late Mozambican President Samora Machel, Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) envoy to Zimbabwe Ali Ahmad Halimeh, and Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni.
His excellence saw him appointed as a military instructor at Zipra’s Morogoro Training Camp in Tanzania in 1967, where he taught Field Engineering, Guerrilla Warfare and Topography.
In recognition of his service, Lt-Col (Rtd) Chirenda was awarded numerous honours, including the Independence Medal, Liberation Silver Medal, Long Service Medal (15 years), and the Mozambique Campaign Medal.
