Story by Abigirl Tembo
The 45th anniversary of the passing on of General Josiah Magama Tongogara, a revered stalwart of the liberation struggle was held in Harare this Thursday, with renewed determination to uphold his rich legacy.
The ceremony was a poignant reminder of General Tongogara’s enduring legacy, which continues to inspire and empower young Zimbabweans through the Josiah Magama Tongogara Legacy Foundation.
Dr Blessmore Madongovere, a beneficiary of the foundation, expressed his deepest gratitude for the support he received, which enabled him to become a medical doctor.
“We are privileged to assemble and pay tribute to the late General Josiah Magama Tongogara. We, the recipients of his unwavering dedication, express our deepest gratitude for his tireless efforts in our nation’s fight for freedom. His bravery, wisdom and leadership inspired a generation of freedom fighters, and his vision for a free and just society continues to inspire us today. As we commemorate this great hero’s life and legacy, we remember his passionate commitment to educating, motivating and empowering the youth. You recognise the immense potential of young people to drive innovation, progress, and positive change in our society. Please accept our most sincere appreciation for the Tongogara family’s outstanding contributions to perpetuating General Tongo’s legacy, a testament to their devotion and commitment. Through their tireless efforts, we have been empowered to pursue educational and professional opportunities that have not only transformed our lives, but also equipped us to make meaningful contributions to our nation’s development and growth.
“As I reflect on my life’s journey, I am reminded of the profound impact which Josiah Magama Tongogara’s legacy has had on my educational and professional pursuits and I extend my thanks. I am very grateful for the invaluable assistance I received, which has empowered me to realise my full potential. The Josiah Magama Tongogara Foundation played a pivotal role in laying the foundation of my academic journey. Their generous support was instrumental during my secondary years and significant in shaping my academic path as well as fostering my personal growth. The support I received was invaluable. It was more than just financial assistance. It was a beacon of hope, a reminder that my dreams of becoming a medical doctor were within my reach. It was a testament to the power of investment in human capital and the impact that it can have on individual communities, and society as a whole. I wish to pay tribute to Senator Angeline Kumbaya Tongogara, the Government of Zimbabwe, the stakeholders who contributed to this noble initiative.”
Son of the late General, Mr Tichafa Tongogara, emphasised his father’s unwavering commitment to education.
He said, “In as far as education is concerned, I think it was one of the most important reasons why he joined the struggle. He was unable to complete his education because of monetary issues and the fact that black people could not advance to education level they would have liked. So education and land were those primary issues that he joined the struggle for.”
The Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Senator Monica Mavhunga paid tribute to General Tongogara’s exceptional leadership during the liberation struggle.
“He was the commander of the ZANLA forces during the arms struggle. He was a strategist par excellence. During our time in Mozambique, there were so many challenges that included hunger, inadequate medical supplies, inadequate materials of war, and the enemy devised painful methods of ensuring that we got frustrated. It was because of his inspiration and support that we soldiered on. He remained strong and loyal to the end. He was a great example of selfless leadership. He was a very good man and a very good coach,”
Guest of Honour Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Mr Aaron Nhepera, who represented Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, shared personal anecdotes of his encounters with the late General Tongo, highlighting his humility and dedication to the liberation cause.
“I personally have fond memories of General Josiah Magama Tongogara when he came to Mgagao either late 1974 or early 1975. In the morning, our company, by the name Takawira, where I worked with the late General. He would wake us up in the morning to teach us some exercise, and we used to go there every morning. So there he was, the towering figure that he was. I was really mesmerised by how, despite the towering figure, he was able to carry his body when we, the young boys, 17, 18, were struggling. That was the first time I came close to General Tongogara.
“The second time I was to see him was only when I was now leading the war front. In December 1978, the enemy had taken a good part of me, and I needed to rest and recuperate. So I met him at one of our operational bases, re-operational bases. I came close to him, sat close to him, we were eating together, at the mess, and I benefited from his wisdom, that’s the first, and unfortunately it was to be the last time. I am happy with the work being done by the Josiah Magama Tongogara foundation legacy foundation. I am very happy to witness the work being done by the foundation in helping kids achieve their dreams in terms of education,” he said.
The commemoration served as a poignant reminder of General Tongogara’s sacrifices and his enduring legacy.
Through the work of the Josiah Magama Tongogara Legacy Foundation, his dream of a well-educated and empowered youth continues to inspire and shape the future of Zimbabwe.
