Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
The late liberation war heroine Cde Cecilia Chabaya who died on Tuesday last week in Harare was buried at her rural home in Bikita on Monday.
Hundreds of people including government officials, family, friends and relatives gathered at Chabaya homestead for her burial.
Cde Chabaya, who was declared a liberation war heroine has been described as a dedicated veteran of the liberation struggle who championed the empowerment of women.
“The late Cde Chabaya never wavered but was a consistent member of ZANU PF until her death. She actively participated in government and party programmes even during the period she was wheelchair bound,” said Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira.
The ZANU PF party mourned the death of Cde Chabaya, a central committee member at the time of her death.
“As a party, we mourn one of our own who was very patriotic. Cde Chabaya held various positions in the party, a clear indication that she was a dedicated member who followed the rules of the revolution,” ZANU PF Masvingo provincial chairman Cde Robson Mavhenyengwa.
Representing war veterans of the liberation struggle, Cde Paradzai Mateta said, “As war veterans, we continue to encourage people to remain united because we went to war with the likes of Cde Chabaya to fight for peace in our country.”
Chief Fortune Charumbira said, “We are honouring a gallant daughter who was a unifier in our country hence we continue to call for unity.”
The family thanked the government for honouring Cde Chabaya with liberation war heroine status.
“We are honoured as a family that our mother, who was a pillar of strength in our family was honoured by the government,” said family spokesperson, Dr Raphinos Chabaya.
Cde Chabaya was born in 1942 in Bikita district and started her political career at a very tender age inspired by the late former President, Cde Robert Mugabe and Cde Victoria Chitepo who were her former teachers.
She worked with ZANLA forces until independence and held various positions in ZANU PF after independence.
Cde Chabaya is survived by eight children and 17 grandchildren.
