Story by Memory Chamisa
NATIONAL Hero Major General (Retired) Everisto Dzihwema has been remembered as a distinguished military officer whose professionalism, discipline and commitment to national service earned him respect in both the military and civilian spheres.
Thousands gathered at the National Heroes Acre on Monday as President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa led mourners in paying their final respects to the decorated military commander, who was laid to rest with full military honours.
Tributes from former colleagues, comrades and family members painted a picture of a principled leader whose dedication to duty remained unwavering throughout his career.
Chairperson of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Board, Major General (Retired) Gibson Mashingaidze, said Major General (Rtd) Dzihwema was instrumental in advancing the welfare of war veterans.
“This man stood firm on what he believed… We met again in the War Veterans Board, where he was pivotal in coming up with the policies that led the board. As a war veteran himself, he understood the challenges his colleagues were facing and ensured that if there was urgency in anything, it was addressed there and there,” he said.
Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, described the late national hero as an intelligent and dedicated leader.
“Dzihwema joined the liberation struggle as a young man… He was an intelligent man who invested in his education, and I am pleased that even his children… all have master’s degrees, which shows the kind of father he was,” he said.
A former colleague, Colonel Bernard Mutasa, said Major General (Rtd) Dzihwema led by example and encouraged officers to pursue further education.
“Cde Kid was a humble man who did not use his army rank to gain power… most of the officers were made to enrol at school, and for those that took the initiative we are grateful, and it has yielded results,” he said.
ZANU PF Secretary for the War Veterans League, Cde Douglas Mahiya said the late commander carried out his duties with distinction.
“He executed his duties with dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the service of his country. Throughout his career, he demonstrated remarkable discipline and a strong sense of responsibility,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his sister, Mrs Prisca Chipfuriro described him as a compassionate and unifying figure.
“Today, we are not only saying goodbye to a father. We are bidding farewell to a loving husband, a caring son, a devoted father, a respected leader and a friend to so many… He had an amazing gift of bringing people together,” she said.
The burial concluded with full military honours, including a 21-gun salute, as the nation bade farewell to a decorated liberation war veteran and military commander whose legacy of service, leadership and patriotism will endure.
