Columbus Mabika
Herald Reporter
A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare yesterday as people from all walks of life braved the rains to witness the full military funeral parade held in honour of Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava.
Brig-Gen Ngarava (Rtd) (66), whose Chimurenga name was “Elias Chimurenga”, died on Christmas Day at Chinhoyi General Hospital.
He retired from active service last year.
Commander Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, was the chief mourner.
He described Brig-Gen Ngarava as a loyal cadre who dedicated his life to the independence and development of the country.
“Brigadier-General Ngarava has left a legacy of excellence in the organisation. He has been an icon and a prototype commander,” he said.
“His exceptional loyalty and patriotism towards his beloved country remind us how lucky we are as a nation to have a generation of officers of the calibre of this departed general.
“His willpower to fight for the liberation of the country and defend its ideals after independence remained unmatched.”
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi called on the nation to uphold the principles and values that were fought for during the liberation struggle.
Brig-Gen Ngarava was born on March 27, 1959 as the fourth child in a family of nine in Mhokore village under Chief Gororo in Chivi district. He completed his primary education at Shindi Primary School in 1974 before attending Berejena Mission School in Chivi for Form 1 and 2 in 1975 and 1976.
As the impetus for the war of liberation gained momentum, politics became a topical subject among young people.
After completing his Form 2 exams in 1976, he left Berejena Mission via Chikombedzi to join the liberation struggle.
There he met with fellow comrades and was temporarily placed under village heads to avoid detection by the Rhodesian forces while waiting to cross into Mozambique.
In early December 1976, he crossed into Mozambique with a group of comrades who were going to collect ammunition from the rear. The journey was perilous, traversing areas known to be infested with wild animals.
In Mozambique, he was sent to Chibawawa Refugee Camp, where he stayed for the whole of 1977 awaiting training.
In 1979, he was sent to Syria for military training, where he performed remarkably. Upon completing his training, he was deployed in Gaza Province, Sector Four, where he operated until independence in 1980.
During the ceasefire, he went to Gezani Assembly Point, which was within the same area that he had operated in.
After the 1980 general elections and the independence celebrations, he was transferred to Tongogara Camp in Middle Sabi, where he briefly stayed before joining the ZNA in February 1981 as a Sergeant under the Army Education Corps.
Due to his exceptional performance and commitment to duty, he was selected to attend the basic officers course in 1982 and was commissioned as a lieutenant.
Brig-Gen Ngarava had an illustrious career in the ZNA and Zimbabwe Defence Forces at large, undertaking military courses that led him to hold numerous staff and command appointments.
For his exploits, he was awarded all military medals commensurate with his rank and achievements.
Brig-Gen Ngarava is survived by two wives, Winnet and Loveness, and five children.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
Mourners are gathered at 10746 Mapako Phase 2, Chinhoyi.
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