daniel chigunwe
George Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has conferred liberation war hero status on the late Chief Chivi, who passed away last week at the age of 106.
Born Tavagwisa Magura, Chief Chivi was buried on Sunday at Maregere Village.
The President honoured the late traditional leader for his selfless contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, having served as a war collaborator during the struggle.
This recognition follows a formal application for acknowledgment from the provincial leadership in Masvingo, aimed at paying homage to Chief Chivi’s efforts for both liberation and post-independence development.
The burial ceremony was attended by senior Government and Zanu PF party officials, including Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, Zanu PF provincial chair Cde Robson Mavhenyengwa, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, Permanent Secretary in the Minister’s office, and community leaders.
In his address, Minister Chadzamira said the chief’s death has deprived Masvingo province and Zimbabwe of a dedicated individual who devoted his life to the pursuit of a free nation.
“Today, Zimbabwe enjoys the fruits of freedom thanks to the sacrifice of individuals like the late Chief Chivi.”
Minister Chadzamira thanked President Mnangagwa for honouring Chief Chivi, describing him as an inspirational force and advocate for economic empowerment.
Chief Chivi was recognised for his role as a foot soldier and driver of the Second Republic’s Vision 2030, promoting and supporting Government programmes aimed at benefiting the local community and the wider Chivi district.
Cde Mavhenyengwa also paid tribute to Chief Chivi, noting his unwavering support for the ruling party and President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 initiatives.
He described Chief Chivi as a loyal party cadre whose life and contributions warrant celebration.
“We must ensure that his dream of seeing Zimbabwe achieve an upper middle-income economy by 2030 is realised,” Cde Mavhenyengwa said.
The Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chair assured the people of Chivi district and the family of the late chief that the ruling party will continue to support efforts aimed at achieving socio-economic transformation, which is central to establishing an empowered upper middle-income society.
Chief Chivi, born in Chivi in 1919, left formal employment in 1976 at the height of the liberation war to become a full-time war collaborator, demonstrating his commitment to the cause of independence.
