Story by Aifheli Mudau
A double burial was witnessed at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre this Monday, including that of Cde Florence Chirenda, widow to national hero, Lieutenant Colonel Harold Chirenda.
A sombre atmosphere engulfed the City of Bulawayo this Monday as two the coffins of Cde Florence Chirenda and Cde Mangwende Madonko were lowered at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane.
Speaker after speaker described the departed comrades as hardworking, with family representatives expressing gratitude to government for honouring their relatives with provincial hero’s status.
“As the Chirenda family we really appreciate the honour bestowed to our mother and we will forever remember,
“Everything went on very well and as Madonko family we thank the hero status that was given to our brother by government as such we will follow the steps of Cde Mangwende,” said family representatives.
ZANU PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson, Cde Jabulani Sibanda highlighted the significance of unity.
“These Cdes whom we are burying here have done a lot to this country and if there is something wrong do not question them and question yourself. They have brought independence and order in this world,” he said.
Born in 1954 in Kezi District of Matabeleland South Province, Cde Florence Mankosi Chirenda died on the 15th of this month.
During the liberation struggle, she trained as a journalist in Romania and worked for New Ziana after independence.
She is survived by five children.
On the other hand, Cde Madonko worked for the Zimbabwe National Army and retired in 2007 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He died on the 16th of this month and is survived by his wife Mrs Betty Madonko.
