Story by Tafara Chikumira
NATIONAL Hero Ambassador Victor Matemadanda has been remembered as a steadfast patriot, principled liberation war veteran and accomplished diplomat whose unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe’s liberation ideals and national development has left a lasting legacy.
As the nation laid the late National Hero to rest at the National Heroes Acre this Friday, liberation war veterans, political leaders, family members and colleagues paid tribute to a man they described as a fearless revolutionary, unifier and dedicated public servant whose contribution to the country’s history will endure for generations.
War veterans said Cde Matemadanda’s commitment to the liberation struggle and his leadership within the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association played a defining role in shaping the organisation and advancing the interests of former freedom fighters.
”I worked with Cde Matemadanda since I assumed the chairmanship of Bulawayo province in the association. He was a man with a drive to form the association. He was a man who was brave enough to push his ideas with a firm ideology,” Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, Cde Cephas Ncube said.
”The association is what it is today because of the works by the likes of Cde Matemadanda. He gave his all to see the country developing as per the spirit of the liberation struggle,” War veteran, Cde Endy Mhlanga added.
Those who worked with Cde Matemadanda in the Midlands province say the late National Hero’s patriotism was instrumental in the development of the revolutionary party and the nation at large.
”This was a man who would put all his energy towards the development of the party. We worked together towards the birth of the new dispensation. He was a man who stood his ground. He was a man who loved his country with his heart,” Chairperson of the ZANU PF Midlands province Cde Edson Chiherenge said.
”This was a man who was honest in executing his duties. If you go offside, he will simply confront you over the issue. He didn’t believe in hearsay. He is truly a national hero,” Politburo Member of the ZANU PF, Engineer Daniel Mackenzie Ncube reiterated.
The Matemadanda family described the late ambassador as a pillar of unity whose guidance, discipline and integrity shaped generations.
“He was always there to unite us whenever things did not go well. He was a father figure who taught us to stand for the truth. He instilled in us the values of hard work and discipline. We are who we are today because of his guidance,” family spokesperson, Itai Matemadanda said.
Ambassador Matemadanda served Zimbabwe in various capacities during and after the liberation struggle, culminating in his appointment as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini, a position he held until his death.
His enduring contribution to the liberation struggle, public service and diplomacy continues to inspire many, cementing his place among the country’s distinguished national heroes.
