Story by Fungai Jachi
THE late Brigadier General (Retired) Jonathan Hungwe, declared a national hero for his role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, is being mourned by family and the Mwenezi community as a devoted family man and dedicated leader.
Described by loved ones as loving, forthright, and empowering, Brigadier General Hungwe is survived by his wife, Susan, seven children, and seven grandchildren.
“My father was a happy man who did not keep grudges. He was forthright and empowered us as his daughters. We have lost a friend in our father,” daughter Caroline Hungwe said.
“My brother was strict; he was clear about what he wanted. He was the unifier in our family. We have lost a man who glued our family together,” brother Rangarirai Hungwe noted.
Sister Linah Chiduke added: “I knew I had someone to rely on. He was ready to listen and help with my problems. He has left a void in our family.” Aunt Dorothy Chiduke reflected, “He was an obedient child and softly spoken. I feel the loss because he was really caring. He would lend a listening ear to everyone and help in any way he could.”
The community also paid tribute to his contributions to local development.
“We have lost a great man. Since he came here in 2000, he has been instrumental in helping the community. He would give us information on what would be happening and taught us to love and work for our country,” Village Head Clemence Mpofu said.
“We learnt a lot from this man. He was selfless. Most schools in Mwenezi benefited from his good works, and he promoted locals skilled in various areas by giving them jobs,” villager Nkata Atanasi added.
Issac Chauke, another villager, said: “He would teach us how to be better farmers and better people. He was kind and humble. He assisted us as a community.”
Born on 13 April 1958 in Mwenezi District, Brigadier General Hungwe completed his primary and secondary education in Chivi before earning his Ordinary Level at Cranborne Boys High School in Harare.
In January 1978, he joined the liberation struggle, entering Mozambique via Chikwekwete Base, where he was trained and later selected to transport war materials to the front lines. Following independence, he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army as a Warrant Officer Class 2 on 24 August 1981.
Over the next four decades, he rose through the ranks to Brigadier General in 2023 and retired from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in April 2024.
Brigadier General Hungwe passed away last week at his farm in Rutenga, Masvingo, at the age of 68. He was declared a national hero in recognition of his contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Mourners have gathered at his farm to pay their respects.
