Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE late Brigadier General (Retired) Jonathan Hungwe, who died on February 26 at his farm in Rutenga, has been declared a national hero.
A funeral parade was held at the 4 Infantry Brigade headquarters in Masvingo, presided over by Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi.
Addressing mourners, Lieutenant-General Tapfumaneyi saluted Brigadier General (Rtd) Hungwe for his patriotism and unwavering dedication to the nation.
“We are gathered here to honour the son of the soil, Brigadier General Retired Jonathan Hungwe. His background shows how dedicated he was and patriotic to his country. He executed his duties diligently, and we must honour him for that,” he said.
Lieutenant-General Tapfumaneyi urged Zimbabweans to safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty in honour of liberation heroes.
“Brigadier General Retired Jonathan Hungwe is among those who sacrificed their lives to go and fight for the freedom of this country. We must honour them by ensuring we safeguard this country’s independence and sovereignty,” he added.
The parade was conducted with full military honours, symbolising the nation’s gratitude for his contribution to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s independence.
The declaration of national hero status was conveyed by Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira.
“I am here to convey President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s message to the family that, Brigadier General Retired Hungwe was a dedicated and selfless gallant son of the soil therefore he has been declared a national hero. The status is in honour of his work for the country before and after Independence,” he said.
The family expressed gratitude for the honour.
“As a family we want to thank President Mnangagwa for honouring our father. The national hero status means a lot to us and as a family we are still to come to terms with the death of my father,” family representative Mr Nathan Hungwe said.
Born on April 13, 1958, in Mwenezi District, Brigadier General (Rtd) Hungwe hailed from Chivi District, where he completed his primary and secondary education.
He joined the liberation struggle in January 1978 after undergoing military training in Mozambique, before being deployed to assist in moving war material to the front.
He later received further training in Korea, specialising in anti-tank and M90 weapons.
Following Independence, he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army, rising through the ranks to Brigadier General before retiring in 2024.
He is survived by six children and grandchildren.
