Story John Nhandara
LATE National Hero Major General (Rtd) Richard Ruwodo has been remembered as an astute military officer whose distinguished service helped shape the Zimbabwe National Army.
The nation, colleagues and family members gathered at the National Heroes Acre this Monday to bid farewell to the decorated military commander, with tributes highlighting his professionalism, courage and dedication to national service.
Brigadier General Milton Vudzijena, who worked closely with the late national hero, said Major General (Rtd) Ruwodo played a key role in strengthening the army’s administrative systems.
“I worked with him closely in 1981. He was my director. We credit him for introducing the new pay system to service the Zimbabwe National Army.”
Colonel (Rtd) Morgan Mudzinganyama described him as a diligent and exemplary leader.
“He was passionate about his work. He had qualities of a good leader. He was my director at the Army Pay and Records. He was a diligent man.”
The Ruwodo family expressed gratitude to the Government for conferring National Hero status on their father.
“We express our deep appreciation to His Excellency for the immense honour bestowed on our father. This is a testament to the extraordinary life he lived and a source of solace to us. His life has left an indelible mark on all of us,” family spokesperson Mr Travour Gopo said.
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, said the late national hero’s contribution to the country would continue to inspire future generations.
“The late National Hero served the nation with distinction, and his legacy should inspire us all,” he said.
Major General (Rtd) Richard Ruwodo was appointed the first black Director of Zimbabwe National Army Pay and Records, where he provided strategic leadership in modernising the army’s payroll and records systems. He is credited with spearheading long-term administrative reforms that enhanced operational efficiency within the Zimbabwe National Army.
