Story by Peter Chivhima
A funeral parade has been held in honour of national hero Brigadier General (Retired) Mark Charles Chimwaza, with mourners hailing him as an iconic figure of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
Several people converged at Charles Gumbo Barracks for the parade, paying their last respects to the National Hero.
Brigadier General (Rtd) Chimwaza was honoured with National Hero Status in recognition of his immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s development.
The funeral parade was presided over by Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, who said the nation has been robbed of a dedicated cadre.
“He was an icon, a prototype commander in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. His loyalty and patriotism were unwavering, both during the liberation struggle and in defending national ideals post-independence. Brigadier General Chimwaza stood tall against neo-colonial forces, reminding us of the calibre of leadership that shaped our nation. As we bid farewell to this gallant son of the soil, let us honour the sacrifices he and his comrades made for our freedom,” he said.
Friends and relatives described him as a man who was down to earth, approachable and dedicated to his duties.
“He was a good man, disciplined, humble, and always ready to serve. We have lost a true patriot and a dependable comrade,” Colleague, Brigadier General Retired Alphious Makotore said.
“To us, he was more than a soldier; he was a pillar. He was a good man with a big heart who always put others before himself,” family representative, Mr Edmund Chimwaza said.
Brigadier General Rtd Chimwaza, whose Chimurenga name was Paddington Chafa Chaora, was born in 1957 in Mutare.
He joined the liberation struggle in Mozambique in 1976 and was later deployed to Maputo after training.
Cde Chafa Chaora came back to Zimbabwe in 1982 and joined the Zimbabwe National Army the same year.
He then retired from the Zimbabwe National Army in 2022.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
