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Nqobile Tshili, nqobile.tshili@chronicle.co.zw
SCORES of mourners gathered yesterday at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane suburb to bid farewell to liberation war hero Cde Solomon Tongoona Chinhara.
He became the 1 095th liberation war hero to be interred at the provincial shrine.
Cde Chinhara, who passed away last Monday at his Cliffspring Farm at West Acre, Umguza District, was remembered for his contributions to the country’s independence and post-liberation development.
The former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) staffer played a pivotal role during the liberation struggle, using his work as a music promoter to recruit individuals for the armed struggle.
His former colleagues in the media were among the mourners who converged at the provincial shrine to pay their last respects.
Representing Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, Mr Roy Jombe, an officer in her office, described Cde Chinhara as a dedicated patriot whose sacrifices significantly contributed to the country’s liberation.
“His death has not only been felt by you the immediate family but by all of us. Cde Chinhara eventually became a music promoter which took several of these bands across the region at the same time cementing his work to assist freedom fighters to cross into training camps, working closely with Cde Webster Shamu,” said Minister Ncube.
At independence, he worked for ZBC as a floor manager, sound engineer and ultimately as the chief Presidential photographer.
“It was not an easy choice to join the liberation struggle, it was a sacrifice driven by the desire and vision for a liberated Zimbabwe,” said Minister Ncube.
Cde Chinhara collaborated with notable figures such as Cde Shamu, the late Cde Herbert Ushewokunze and the late President Cde Canaan Banana. He continued his service to the nation after independence, including training in Germany as part of his ZBC career, where he eventually became a cameraman until his retirement.
Minister Ncube assured the family of the Government’s support during this difficult time.
“As a province, we are very much saddened by his death. We want to assure the family that we are with them in this difficult time. The Government and my office in particular greatly acknowledge the contribution made by the late Cde Chinhara towards the liberation of this country and the service after the struggle,” she said.
Family spokesperson Mr Trust Chinhara said the family lost a father figure. He expressed gratitude to the Government for conferring liberation hero status on Cde Chinhara.
“We appreciate the status that has been accorded to our brother. He sacrificed a lot through his collaborative work to assist the country’s freedom fighters,” he said.
Cde Chinhara is survived by wife, Alice, five children and 13 grandchildren.
