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All set for triple burial
All is set for the burial of national heroes — Major-General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, Cde Chenhamo “Chen” Chakezha Chimutengwende and Ambassador John Shumba Mvundura — at the National Heroes Acre in Harare today.
Despite the cloudy weather conditions in Harare, thousands of Zimbabweans from all walks of life have gathered at the national shrine to bid farewell to the heroes.
This is the third time a triple burial is happening since Independence in 1980.
The first time Zimbabwe buried three national heroes at once was on January 26, 2021, when Lieutenant-General (Rtd) Dr Sibusiso Busi Moyo, Dr Joel Biggie Matiza, and Major-General (Rtd) Paradzai Zimondi were buried at the National shrine.
The second occasion was on April 29 last year when Cde Nash Nyasha Dzimiri, Brigadier-General Shadreck Vezha and Cde Tsitsi Grace Jadagu were buried.
Our crew is on the ground, and we will give you live updates as the nation bids farewell to the three gallant national heroes.
Dark day for Zimbabwe
Major General (Retired) Solomon Siziba died last Wednesday at Josiah Magama Tongogara Camp Hospital in Harare after a long battle with cancer.
He was 67.
Former Information, Posts and Telecommunications Minister Cde Chenhamo “Chen” Chakezha Chimutengwende died last Thursday.
He was 81.
His son, Mr Tawanda Chimutengwende, said his father had chronic kidney disease.
Former Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairman Ambassador John Mvundura died on Wednesday last week at St Anne’s Hospital after battling liver cancer.
He was 81.
Vice President Kembo Mohadi has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the triple burial.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume is among mourners at the National Heroes Acre in Harare
Zanu PF National Chairman and Minister of Defence Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri arrives at the national shrine.
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga accompanied by his wife Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga have arrived at the National Heroes Acre.
Major-Gen Siziba remembered
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe invites Major-General M Siziba, the young brother to National Hero Major-General (Rtd) Solomon Siziba, to give his remarks.
Major-General Siziba chronicles Major-General (Rtd) Siziba’s history. He says as a young boy the national hero liked school. However, his education was cut short when he decided to join the liberation struggle.
He says Major-General (Rtd) Siziba was a humble individual who interacted well with society as well as a unifier in the family.
Cde Chimutengwende: A life well-lived
Minister Kazembe invites Mr Cleopas Kanengoni, young brother to Cde Chimutengwende to speak on behalf of the family.
He says the nation is gathered not to mourn Cde Chimutengwende’s death but to celebrate a life well lived and full of accomplishments. He thanks President Mnangagwa and the Government for recognising his brother’s accomplishments and bestowing him the national hero status.
He says Cde Chimutengwende loved Rhumba music and would exhibit exceptional dancing skills.
Ambassador Mvundura was a gentle giant, strict disciplinarian, national hero’s daughter says
Minister Kazembe is back on the podium and invites Ms Jane Mvundura, national hero Ambassador Mvundura’s daughter, to deliver remarks on behalf of the Mvundura family.
Ms Mvundura starts by paying tribute to the Government for bestowing national hero status on her father and goes on to describe him as a gentle giant who was a strict disciplinarian.
She says Ambassador Mvundura was a philanthropist who could not turn away a soul that was in need. She says he was a person who valued education and assisted many to acquire it.
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is now delivering his keynote address.
He starts his speech by expressing condolences to the Siziba, Chimutengwende and Mvundura families on behalf of President Mnangagwa, the Government and Zanu PF.
He is now chronicling Cde Chimutengwende’s pre-independence history.
The Acting President says Cde Chimutengwende was a committed cadre who contributed immensely to the liberation of the country.
In the post-independence era, Cde Chimutengwende played various roles which included serving as an MP for Mazowe and Deputy Speaker of Parliament. He says the late national hero will be remembered for his loyalty and dedication to the ruling Zanu PF and the country.
Acting President Dr Chiwenga chronicles Ambassador Mvundura’s pre and post-independence contribution. He says the country has lost an illustrious diplomat.
The Acting President is now chronicling Major-General (Rtd) Siziba’s history.
He says he was part of the students at Manama School who were taken by Zipra forces into Botswana and later joined the liberation struggle.
He says there is no better way to honour the country’s heroes and heroines than building the Zimbabwe that they envisioned. Acting President Dr Chiwenga reinforces President Mnangagwa’s mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”.
Dr Chiwenga urges Zimbabweans to shun hatred but embrace love, respect and unity amongst each other.
Acting President Chiwenga says the country is receiving good rains and urges farmers to take advantage and work on the land to ensure food security. He urges media and civil society to play a positive role in promoting the country’s projects and image. He concludes his speech by paying tribute to the three national heroes.
Acting President Dr Chiwenga is now handing over national flags to representatives from the three families.
