Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
The Ndabambi family has paid tribute to the late national hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Shadreck Ndabambi who died on Wednesday at the age of 67.
The family says it has been robbed of a pillar of strength and towering father figure.
The national hero’s young brother, Fredrick Ndabambi said, “We are deeply saddened as a family following the death of my elder brother. He was a pillar of everything, he uplifted the family and helped in every situation in our lives. He helped those who did not have school fees, those facing challenges.”
The children of the late senior army officer have fond memories of their father, thanking the government for according him the highest honour in the land.
“I had a strong relationship with my father. If I wanted advice, I would go to him and ask him what to do because he was a good adviser. He fitted the roles of an uncle and an aunt, all rolled into one. We had such a good relationship that I wonder where I will go with my challenges. Even though I have been bereaved, I am happy the country has remembered his contribution,” said Kenv Ndabambi.
Sinikiwe Ndabambi added, “He had great love for our family and the extended family. He did not choose between his relatives, family was important to him and he was a provider, he was hard working. We never lacked, and he taught us to work hard and to know that only hard work brings success in life.”
The death of Brigadier General (Rtd) Ndabambi came as a shock to his in-laws’ who enjoyed excellent relations with him as well as his uncle Cde Solomon Musaka.
“Our son-in-law was a problem solver. If you faced anything, he would help you find a solution. He even united our family despite being a son-in-law. We knew that if we go to him, he will rectify any problem, so as the Madhaus we are at a loss,” said the father-in-law, Goodluck Mamwadi Madhau.
“Uncle it’s now just sinking in that he is no more, he was over and above, to the family a pillar, he united us and he was full of love. I have not experienced that kind of love from any of my relatives personally,” added Cde Musaka.
Born on the first of December 1956 at Mutoko hospital, the late Brigadier General (Rtd) Ndabambi who hails from the Kwekwe district under Chief Malisa in Midlands province was the 7thchild in a family of 10 children.
He joined the liberation struggle in 1975 where he served with distinction in Manica Province under Mutambara detachment for one and half years before withdrawing to Chimoio due to injury.
After the Chimoio attack, he was assigned to work in General Josiah Magama Tongogara’s office at ZANLA headquarters where he was responsible for drawing operational and cartography materials.
He was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army after independence and held several challenging positions as he rose through the ranks until retirement.
The decorated general, who was also a farmer in Glendale, Mazowe district, is survived by his wife Senia Ndabambi and four children.
