*General Josiah Tongogara, a Key Figure in Zimbabwe's Liberation Struggle: Here's What you need to know;* *Early Life and Education* General Josiah Tongogara was born on February 4, 1938, in Shurugwi, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia). He received his primary education at St. Francis Mission in Shurugwi. *Military Career and the Liberation Struggle* General J. Tongogara joined the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), the military wing of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), in the early 1960s. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional leadership skills and strategic military thinking. In time was ascribed the war name "General Tongo". *Key Roles and Contributions* 1. *Military Commander*: General Tongogara served as the Chief of Defence for ZANLA and played a crucial role in planning and executing several key battles against the Rhodesian army. 2. *Unification of Forces*: He worked tirelessly to unify the various liberation movements, including ZANLA and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), to form a united front against the Rhodesian government. 3. *Lancaster House Agreement*: General Tongogara was a key negotiator at the Lancaster House talks in 1979, which led to the signing of the Lancaster House Agreement and paved the way for Zimbabwe's independence. *Death and Legacy* General Tongo died in a car accident in Mozambique on December 26, 1979, just before Zimbabwe's independence. His death was a significant blow to the nation, but his legacy lives on. The General is remembered as a brave and selfless hero who played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe's struggle for independence. *Honors and Recognition* In recognition of his contributions to the liberation struggle, General Tongo was posthumously conferred with the title of National Hero, and was buried at the National Heroes Acre here in Harare. Share information 🫵