Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE Mazowe community paid tribute to national hero Major General (Retired) Herbert Chingono, honouring his contribution to both the liberation struggle and local development through his farming ventures.
His body arrived at Petlands Farm in Mazowe at midday, giving community members an opportunity to pay their final respects.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, led mourners in bidding farewell to the national hero, whom he had previously worked with in the army.
“It is with a heavy heart, yet with deep honour and a solemn heart. We have been robbed as a Province, we are saddened. Major General Retired Chingono belonged to a crop of gallant men and women who dedicated their lives to liberating Zimbabwe. I had an opportunity to work with him in DRC in an area called Gwena when he was a commander. He was a true commander,” he said.
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, who is also Mazowe West legislator, said the late national hero was actively involved in development programmes in the area.
“As people of Mazowe West, we have suffered a great loss. He was the first to contribute when we did any programme. I heard he did the same at his rural home. We have been robbed as Mazowe West, we have been robbed as a province and as a nation. Go well,” he said.
The national hero’s brother, Alfon Chingono, expressed gratitude to the Mazowe community for their support during the family’s time of mourning.
“I want to thank you for the love you have shown to us, crying with us and comforting us. Our coming here is difficult to deal with. Seven years ago, we met here to do a family reunion and agreed to continue the tradition but our meeting here today has someone missing. It is difficult to explain, but when there are many gathered here today we are comforted,” he said.
Major General (Retired) Chingono was a farmer at Petlands Farm, where he ran diverse agricultural operations. Farm manager Brighton Matope described him as a dedicated and enterprising farmer.
“He loved farming and we did many things here as you can see we have poultry, goats, and cattle. We grew many crops and used to do horticulture and had ventured into mining,” he said.
Colleagues and locals who interacted with him remembered his strong work ethic and leadership.
“I knew him well. He is not someone I met in the system, but we met in Mozambique. I was deployed to Nehanda sector and later on we met after the war. I work with his brother and I am truly pained because he was a good person. I had shown interest in coming,” Group Captain (Retired) Mapfumo Daniel Gede said.
“I knew him as a father figure, and I am a councillor in his area. He always gave good advice,” Mazowe Ward 23 Councillor Edwin Chinotimba said.
Following the farewell in Mazowe, the body of Major General (Retired) Chingono was taken to Greystone Park in Harare.
