Zimbabwe Bids Farewell to National Hero Cde Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu By Takasununguka Ziki FOLLOW OUR CHANNEL: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCpLzu2f3EBYPSgI93M 10 February, 2025 | Zim Global Media News 🗞️ National Heroes’ Acre, Harare - Zimbabweans from all walks of life gathered at the National Heroes' Acre in Harare today to pay their final respects to the late National Hero, Comrade Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu, who passed away on 5 February 2025 after a long illness. The somber ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials, military leaders, diplomats, and citizens who came to honor a man whose life was a testament to unwavering patriotism, sacrifice, and service to the nation. Cde Chigudu, born on 13 August 1942, was a gallant son of Zimbabwe who dedicated his life to the liberation of his country from colonial rule. His journey began in the rural areas of Zimbabwe, where he received his early education at Chigudu School and Cyrene Mission before moving to Harare Secondary School. However, his political activism led to his expulsion in 1964, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the struggle for independence. In the same year, Cde Chigudu left Zimbabwe and joined other patriotic cadres in Zambia, where he became one of the first combatants to be sent for military training in North Korea under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU). His training prepared him for the dangerous role of an intelligence operative in Salisbury (now Harare), where he undertook risky missions to gather critical information about the operations of the Rhodesian forces. His efforts were instrumental in aiding the guerrilla war command in planning and executing special military operations. Cde Chigudu’s commitment to the liberation struggle came at great personal cost. During his mission, he was captured by the Rhodesian regime and imprisoned for 12 years. Despite the harsh conditions of his detention, his revolutionary spirit remained unbroken. Upon his release, he crossed into Zambia, reunited with his comrades, and continued to fight for the liberation of Zimbabwe. After Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, Cde Chigudu transitioned from the battlefield to the corridors of power, serving the nation in various capacities. He began his post-independence career as an Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, where his hard work and dedication saw him rise through the ranks to become Deputy Secretary and later Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He also served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and as Governor for Manicaland Province. Cde Chigudu’s service was not limited to government roles. He also served as the ZANU PF Chairman for Manicaland Province, where he was known for his humility, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to the party’s ideals. His colleagues remember him as a fountain of wisdom, a man who offered sound counsel and advice, drawing from his vast experience and institutional memory. His integrity, sense of excellence, and adherence to truth and honesty left an indelible mark on Zimbabwe’s political landscape. In his eulogy, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described Cde Chigudu as a true patriot who respected and treated everyone with dignity, regardless of their social standing. “He was a cadre who embraced constructive criticism and dialogue. He was reliable and trustworthy, not a turncoat, but always gave timely feedback on tasks and responsibilities assigned to him, always guided by national and never personal interests,” the President said. President Mnangagwa challenged Zimbabweans to honor Cde Chigudu’s legacy by upholding the principles of servant leadership, accountability, transparency, and patriotism. “The late National Hero, Cde Chigudu’s legacy of service anchored on humility and servant leadership, both before and after independence, must be emulated by us all in our party, ZANU PF, and the country at large,” he said. The President also used the occasion to call for unity and collective effort in the pursuit of Zimbabwe’s development goals. He emphasized the importance of remaining focused and disciplined in the face of challenges, urging citizens to work harder towards the attainment of Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. “No amount of economic chicanery, mudslinging, and discord should be allowed or entertained to derail our irreversible course to modernize, industrialize, and develop our country. We are marching forward ever, backwards never,” President Mnangagwa declared. He reminded Zimbabweans that the long-enduring spirit of national pride and collective loyalty to the nation remains the country’s cardinal beacon. “As citizens of this country, wherever we are and whatever socio-economic activities we may be undertaking, the interests of Zimbabwe must remain at the core of our focus as we build our country brick by brick, stone upon stone,” he said. As the sun set over the National Heroes' Acre, Cde Chigudu was laid to rest alongside his fellow comrades who had also sacrificed their lives for the freedom and development of Zimbabwe. President Mnangagwa bid farewell to the late national hero, saying, “Rest in peace, our comrade, cadre, and patriotic public servant. You fought a good fight. You finished the race. Go well, son of the soil.” The ceremony concluded with a call for unity and a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a prosperous Zimbabwe for future generations. “Together, under our watch, in Government, the private sector, and the communities as a whole, moving forward hand in hand; in peace and unity; with one common objective, Zimbabwe shall be a beacon of prosperity which shines brighter and brighter,” the President said. The passing of Cde Chigudu has left a void in the hearts of many Zimbabweans. His life was a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and justice. As the nation mourns his loss, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve their country with the same humility, integrity, and patriotism that he exemplified throughout his life. In the words of President Mnangagwa, “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo” (A nation is built, governed, and prayed for by its own people). Cde Chigudu’s life was a living embodiment of this principle, and his memory will forever be etched in the annals of Zimbabwe’s history. ——————————————— Zim Global Media News 🗞️ an Afrocentric Voice https://www.zimglobalmedia.co.zw ———————————————