Story by Fungai Jachi
NATIONAL Hero Brigadier General (Retired) Mark Charles Chimwaza, who was laid to rest at the National Shrine this Saturday, has been described as a humble and selfless man who dedicated his entire life to the service of Zimbabwe.
The day was marked not by mourning, but by celebration, as the nation reflected on the life and legacy of Brigadier General (Retired) Chimwaza, who committed both his youth and adulthood to the liberation and development of his country.
As a young boy, he left school and crossed into Mozambique to join the liberation struggle, and his family is grateful that today one of their own has been given the highest honour in the land.
“As a family, we are happy because he has been given the highest honour in the land. He was selfless, and even as a young boy, he could not stomach the segregation and unfair treatment by the colonizers. We are happy that his sacrifice has been awarded,” his Brother, Mr Edmund Chimwaza said.
For Air Vice Marshall Biltim Chingono and Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Jabangwe, Brigadier General Rtd Chimwaza was more than just a military man but a dependable friend.
“We trained together and went through a lot together. He was a humble man who was determined to win. To me, he was more than a fellow soldier but a good friend whom I relied on,” he said.
“He was a humble man who was dedicated to duty. His death is not just a loss to his family but to this nation and to me on a personal Level. We were together during training and even when we were serving after independence,” he said.
Manicaland Province bemoans the loss of yet another gallant son.
“It is unfortunate that Manicaland has been suffering the loss of liberation fighters, but we are happy that they are receiving such an honor. We take pride in the work that Cde Chimwaza did, but also saddened that he died without fully enjoying the benefits of the freedom he fought for,” Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said.
Another distinguished military man and hero is gone, but his contributions to freeing this nation from colonial bondage will forever be remembered.
