Story by Zbc Reporter
THE widow of national hero, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Harold Mtandwa Chirenda, Cde Florence Mankosi Chirenda, died on Tuesday at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo after a long illness.
She was 71.
Born on July 10, 1954, in Kezi District, Matabeleland South, Cde Chirenda began her education at Mtshumayeli Primary School before proceeding to Usher Mission for secondary education.
She later studied at Moeng College in Botswana.
A war veteran in her own right, Cde Chirenda made significant contributions during and after Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
In the 1970s, she was sent to Romania under the auspices of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu) to study journalism.
It was in Romania, while stationed in Bucharest, that she met her husband, the late Lt-Col (Rtd) Chirenda.
Upon returning to Zimbabwe, she worked as a journalist at the Zimbabwe Inter-Africa News Agency (Ziana) in Harare until retirement.
Her passion for storytelling was matched by her business acumen and creativity.
In addition to her journalism and business pursuits, Cde Chirenda was known for her philanthropic spirit. She supported various charitable initiatives and found joy in nurturing her garden, which she often described as a sanctuary for her family.
Cde Chirenda is survived by four children, three daughters and a son.
Mourners are gathered at Number 22 Britannia Avenue in Paddonhurst, Bulawayo.
