Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S independence was bought at a huge price as liberation fighters regarded going to war as an obligation to confront land dispossession, economic exclusion and denial of social and economic dignity, Acting President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, has said.
He said joining the liberation war was a huge sacrifice, where some died, while those who survived returned bound with the sole mission to safeguard the nation they had liberated.
The Acting President said this yesterday at the National Heroes Acre while addressing mourners gathered for the burial of national hero, Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava who died on Christmas Day.
“Brigadier-General (Rtd) Ngarava’s generation did not choose war out of ambition, they were driven by passion and zeal to liberate the people of Zimbabwe. They confronted land dispossession, economic exclusion and the systematic denial of social and economic dignity. From the perspective of the comrades both the living and the departed, to liberate Zimbabwe was not an option, but an obligation. It was a life of sacrifice, resilience, discipline and commitment. Independence was therefore purchased at a huge cost,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
He said liberation war fighters were committed to fight for the freedom of the country despite the frightening prospect of never to return home alive.
“As a result of that commitment, many never returned. Those who did, returned transformed — bound forever by the mission of safeguarding the nation they had liberated. They returned to bear witness of the sacrifices by countless men and women who paid the supreme price for the liberation of Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Acting President said it was critical to honour the country’s liberators through implementation of their vision, one of which was unity of purpose.
“As we lay to rest our commanders one by one, let us not forget that it is through their selfless and consistent sacrifices and dedication to duty, that Zimbabwe attained its independence as a sovereign state. The liberation struggle was not waged so that a few could prosper while many remain in abject poverty. It was fought so that every Zimbabwean could walk in dignity and economically empowered. Our duty is not to merely honour their memory – it is to implement their vision through ethical leadership, clean governance, unity of purpose and economic transformation,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
He noted that Brig Gen Ngarava’s participation in the peace campaigns in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo was anchored in the restoration of political stability and the unlocking of sustainable economic growth in those countries.
“Therefore, his enduring aspiration was to see that same stability, prosperity and national cohesion firmly established in his own country-not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived reality for every citizen,” he said.
“The true measure of our respect for Brigadier General Ngarava and all other departed comrades will not be found in today’s ceremony, but in the quality of the Zimbabwe we will leave behind. What legacy are we creating, one of sacrifice, patriotic service and national purpose or one of plunder?”
He said the country stood for accelerated growth as the economy transitioned to a new economic blueprint National Development Strategy 2.
“We need to take note of significant progress under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). As we transition into National Development Strategy 2, Zimbabwe stands poised for accelerated growth – provided we entrench ethical leadership at all levels, defeat corruption and uphold a Whole of Government Approach,” he said.
“Realising our vision of becoming an Upper Middle-Income society by 2030 hinges on our collective commitment to ethical behaviour and rejection of selfish enrichment practices. Our focus must be on industrialisation, value addition and inclusive growth. We must remain steadfast in our efforts to transform the economy, generate quality jobs and enhance the livelihoods of our citizens.”
Brig Gen Ngarava’s burial yesterday came barely two weeks after the interment of another gallant son of the Soil, Brigadier General (Retd) Chimwaza at the national shrine.
Born on 27 March 1959 in Chivi district, Masvingo province Brig Gen, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Elias Chimurenga, was born in a family of nine (four boys and five girls) with him being the fifth born child.
The late General Officer attended primary education at Shindi Primary School in Chivi District which he completed in 1974. He then proceeded to Berejena Mission in Chivi District for his secondary education.
He left Berejena Mission, via Chikombedzi to join the liberation war after writing his form two examinations in October 1976, together with four other students.
In early December 1976, he crossed the border into Mozambique with a group of comrades who were going to collect ammunition from Mozambique. They went through the Gonarezhou game park which was infested by wild animals making the journey unease one.
In Mozambique, he was sent to Chibawawa Refugee Camp where he stayed for the whole of 1977 awaiting training.
He was eventually sent to Syria for military training where he performed remarkably.
Upon completion of his training, he was deployed in Gaza Province, Sector Four where he operated until Independence in 1980.
During the ceasefire, the late General Officer went to Zezani Assembly Point which was exactly within the same area that he operated in.
After independence celebrations, Brig Gen Ngarava was transferred to Tongogara Camp in the Middle Sabi where he briefly stayed before joining the Zimbabwe National Army.
He was attested into the ZNA on 16 February 1981 as a Sergeant under the Zimbabwe 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 Lieutenant.
He had an illustrious military career in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces which saw him undertaking military career courses, the most notable ones being Adult Education and Administration as well as the Junior Staff Course and Joint Command and Staff Course.
In addition to those military career courses, the late Brigadier General also pursued and attained non-military qualifications which include the following; the Middle Management Development Programme Certificate in Performance Management with the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management, Diploma in Managerial Principles with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bachelor of Technology Honours Degree with University of Zimbabwe and Masters of Business Administration with National University and Science Technology.
The late departed Senior Officer held several military appointments in the fields of Army Education and Defence Logistics.
His professionalism saw him rise through the ranks from sergeant in 1981 to Colonel in 2020.
He was eventually promoted to the rank of Brigadier General upon his retirement in August 2023.
During his service, he was awarded the following medals: Liberation Medal, Independence of Zimbabwe, Ten Years’ Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, DRC Campaign Medal, and Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.
The late Brigadier General Ngarava is survived by two wives — Winnet and Loveness — and five children.
The burial was attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet Ministers, Zanu PF Politburo members, legislators and diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, among others.
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