Story by ZBC staff reporter
SENIOR Military Officer Major General Retired Richard Ruwodo, who died on July 7, has been declared a national hero.
Burial is set for Monday at the National Heroes Acre.
The condolence message was delivered to the Ruwodo family by ZANU PF National Chairman and Defence Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri at the family home in Glen Lorne this Friday.
Cde Muchinguri Kashiri said the honour was in recognition of the late military commander’s exceptional service to the nation before and after independence.
“He joined the liberation struggle at a tender age. He became part of the ZANU PF family. The President has sent us to convey our condolences. When he came from the war, he was considered a courageous man. After independence, he was given other tasks in the army. He was also involved in war veterans affairs. His Excellency has conferred national hero status to the late Major General Rtd Richard Ruwodo,” she said.
The family welcomed the high-level recognition of one of their own.
“We remain grateful for this recognition considering the role that the late played,” Family spokesperson Mr Lovemore Ruwodo said.
The late national hero rose through the ranks in the Zimbabwe National Army to attain the rank of Brigadier General before being promoted to the rank of Major General upon retirement in 2008.
Upon his retirement, from the army, Major General Retired Ruwodo served as Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs and later as Chief Director and Director for War Veterans’ Affairs.
Major General Retired Ruwodo is survived by his wife Lois and three children.
Mourners are gathered at Number 92 Folyjon Crescent, Glen Lorne, in Harare.
