Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma in TJINJIKA, BULILIMA
THE late liberation war heroine Cde Neddie Ndlovu was on Saturday morning laid to rest at her rural homestead in Tjinjika village, Bulilima District in Matabeleland South.
Cde Ndlovu who since before the attainment of Independence played a vital role in the politics of Bulilima passed away at the age of 71 on September 10 after a long illness.
She joined the liberation struggle in 1976 and operated in Ndiweni Ward 21 during the liberation struggle. She was elected as the Secretary for Tjapo Branch and continued working as a war collaborator giving assistance to the freedom fighters.
After Independence, in 1997, she was elected as the Women’s League District Chairlady for Ndiweni Ward 21, after-which she became a member of the Provincial Coordinating Committee as a Secretary for Production in
2002.
She then became a member of the rulimg party’s Central Committee from 2008 until 2022. She then joined the NCA until her unfortunate passing away.
Chief mourner, Zanu PF Politburo member Senator Richard Ndlovu presided over the burial which was also attended by Bulilima Constituency legislator Cde Dingumuzi Phuti who is also Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services.
Also present was Minister of Industry and Commerce Cde Nqobizitha Ndlovu who holds the Zanu PF Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman post, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Cde Dr Evelyn Ndlovu who represents women in the 10th Parliament, Zanu PF central committee member Cde Elizabeth Ndiweni, Zanu PF Women’s League national member Cde Siphilisiwe Nawira, Zanu PF Bulilima DCC chairperson Cde Felix Ncube, Chief Mphini, Headman Yalala among other dignitaries.
Among the mourners were members and supporters of Zanu PF, War Veterans, Ex-Detainees and War Collaborators, Service Chiefs and the provincial community at large.
Senator Ndlovu said it is with a heavy heart to preside over the burial of a gallant daughter of the soil Cde Ndlovu and hailed President Mnangagwa for according her a befitting send off.
“It is truly a sad moment for the Ndlovu family and Bulilima District at large. I am very grateful that the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde E.D Mnangagwa has conferred a Liberation War Heroine Status to the late Cde Neddie Ndlovu. Today we bury a War Heroine of our Liberation Struggle, who paid a supreme sacrifice so that we may enjoy our freedom, and national self-determination.
“Zimbabwe is unrelenting in its pursuit to entrench Constitutionalism, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights. The heroes we honour, fought for the democracy and the equal access to justice we are enjoying as a country. Let us therefore, individually and collectively, protect it from all forms of abuse and desecration, more so by those who never came to our help during the brutal oppressive years under white settler colonial regime,” said Senator Ndlovu.
Senator Ndlovu described Cde Ndlovu as a very powerful woman who stood tall to defend the gains of the liberation struggle.
“Neddie Ndlovu was a woman who dedicated her whole life to serve her community and the country at large. She was born on the 19th of May 1955 in this ward, Ndiweni here in Bulilima district. She did her primary education at Ngwana Primary and later proceeded to Dombodema Secondary School for her secondary education where she completed her ZJC.
“The honour given to Cde Neddie Ndlovu comes in recognition of her service to our Nation. We are grateful once again to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr E.D Mangagwa and the ruling party ZANU PF for this gesture. While we are celebrating Cde Neddie Ndlovu’s life, we should never forget the ultimate sacrifice that was done. Today it is our duty to preserve the gains of our independence and continue to work for the betterment of this great nation of ours,” said Senator Ndlovu.
He challenged each and every one to desire to live a life of serving others.
“Cde Neddie Ndlovu left a huge gap which is not easy to close, may the Lord Almighty be with her family at this difficult moment.
Cde Neddie Ndlovu passed away on the 10th of September 2026.
“As we remember our gallant heroes; let us all re-commit to fortify and protect our beloved country, while building on the gains we have achieved over the years of our hard-won Independence,” said Senator Ndlovu.
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