Story by Peter Chivhima
National hero Cde Tinaye Chigudu has been described as a loving father and a unifier as his death leaves a void in his family and the nation at large.
Known as a loving and supportive man, Cde Chigudu’s legacy extends beyond his family to the significant contributions he made to Zimbabwes liberation struggle and post-independence development.
His wife, Mrs Esther Dumba described him as a devoted husband and family man.
“He was a loving husband. Despite us having children, he never changed, and he continued with the same love and respect. He always defended me. Even to the wider community, he was a caring and loving man. If you ask many people, they’ll tell you how he assisted them.”
Cde Chigudu’s love for his family was echoed by his daughter, Rudo, who shared fond memories of her late father.
“My dad was a loving man. He didn’t believe that the father should eat first. He always made sure we were served first. Even when he came home from work, he would check to see if we had eaten. He was a family unifier. He was strict about time. If he was taking us to school and you were late, he would drive off without you.”
Cde Chigudu was one of the first liberation combatants trained in North Korea under ZIPRA, the military wing of the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU). He played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle and was dedicated to the cause of Zimbabwe’s independence.
As an intelligence operative in the then-Salisbury, Cde Chigudu worked tirelessly in pursuit of freedom. His mission led to his capture by the Rhodesian regime, and he endured 12 years of imprisonment.
Upon his release, the former Manicaland Province Governor rejoined comrades in Zimbabwe and resumed his duties in the armed struggle.
After independence, Cde Chigudu continued to serve the nation with unwavering commitment.
He held several key positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Governor for Manicaland Province, and ZANU PF Manicaland Provincial Chairperson.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course, and mourners are gathered at No. 9 Belsize Close, Northwood, Mount Pleasant in Harare
