Story by Peter Chivhima
HARARE – LIBERATION War Heroine Cde Tendai Maveve has been buried at the Harare Provincial Heroes Acre, with friends and colleagues describing her as a true patriot.
Scores of mourners gathered at the Harare Provincial Heroes Acre this Saturday to bid farewell to Cde Tendai Maveve, who passed away on July 9
.
The burial was marked by solemn song and prayer, as family, comrades, and dignitaries reflected on her remarkable sacrifices and enduring legacy in Zimbabwe’s liberation history.
Vice Chairperson of the Harare War Veterans Association, Cde Irene Hove, gave an emotional tribute, recounting their shared experiences during the armed struggle.
“It is so sad that we are gathered here to bid farewell to our heroes who fought dearly for the liberation of our nation. We were together in the tranches and we never looked back,” she said.
Mrs Loveness Nyaguwe, a colleague and church member, described Cde Maveve as generous, humble, and driven by a love for community upliftment.
“Mai Maveve was such a good person in our church. She was so humble. She was someone who wanted to see everyone happy. Recently, she invited us to attend a meeting at her farm in Mashonaland West Province, and she had promised to pay for everything. We have lost a good person,” she said.
Her son, Mr Gerald Maveve, gave a moving account of his mother’s resilience during the liberation war, recalling a harrowing incident during the 1977 Chimoio attack.
“She was as accommodating and forgiving as a mother. For the emancipation of the country, she was part of a group of freedom fighters. Out of that group, only five survived the perilous journey and eventually arrived at Chimoyo. While at Chimoyo, she continued her education.
“However, tragedy struck when the camp was bombed by Ian Smith’s government forces. During the attack, she was shot in the leg and lost consciousness. In the chaos, her body was swept away by a river. Miraculously, she later regained consciousness at a different location, far from the camp. There, another group of comrades discovered her and helped her recover. To this day, she still carries the bullet lodged in her body a powerful symbol of sacrifice and resilience in the struggle for liberation,” he said.
Mr Cosmas Chiringa, Permanent Secretary for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, paid tribute to Cde Maveve’s enduring service to her community post-independence.
“As we lay her to rest, let us remember the countless lives she touched through her works, in her family, in the community, in our province, and in the country at large. Let us embrace her life as a symbol of Hope and inspiration to all of us. Through her unwavering efforts, she brought about positive change, nurturing a sense of unity and inspiring those around her to strive for greatness. Cde Tendai Chimurenga’s memory will forever be cherished and children will continue learning of the remarkable efforts by our Liberators like Cde Tendai Maveve to emancipate our nation, thus resulting in the sovereignty we enjoy as a country,” he said.
Born on May 5, 1964, in Chikombedzi Village, Chiredzi District, Masvingo Province, Cde Maveve joined the liberation struggle in 1976, crossing into Mozambique for military training. She was among the few survivors of the Chimoio battle of 1977.
She later moved to Gondora and Chimhinga base before the war’s conclusion.
She is survived by seven children and several grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Cde Amos Mutizamhepo, who also passed away on July 9, was laid to rest alongside Cde Maveve. Cde Mutizamhepo joined the liberation struggle in 1976 and passed away aged 68. He is survived by five children and several grandchildren.
Both comrades were honoured with full military rites and have taken their place among Zimbabwe’s heroes remembered for their immense contributions to the freedom and independence of the nation.
