Story by Peter Chivhima
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has conferred national hero status on the late Cde Nash Dzimiri.
Cde Tambaoga Mwanangu as he was popularly known died on the 16th of April in Harare.
The message on conferment was delivered to the family by ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Dr Mike Bimha in Harare this Saturday and the Dzimiri family has thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the recognition.
Cde Dzimiri’s daughter,Ms Joyful Dzimiri said, “As the Dzimiri family, we want to thank President Emerson Mnangagwa and the entire government for honouring my father with a national hero status. The President saw it fit to accord him this highest honour after considering his contribution to the nation.”
“To us as the Dzimiri family, we have accepted the honour with excitement. Cde Dzimiri was a good man and a family unifier who was able to unite us as a family. He started his activism at school but most importantly, he was a principled man who was able to call a spade a spade. He was ready to assist everyone in our family and this is testified by the number of people who are here,” said Dr Wonderful Dzimiri.
To his wife, Cde Tambaoga Mwanangu as he was affectionately known was a loving father and husband.
“It’s so sad that today we have separated with my close friend. He was such a lovely man and I want to thank the government for giving him such respect.”
Born on the 24th of June 1958 in Shurugwi District, Cde Dzimiri attended several schools for his Primary Education before proceeding to Lower Gweru Adventist High School for his Secondary Education.
Outraged by the racial segregation in the then Rhodesia, Cde Dzimiri crossed the country for Mozambique through Chiqualaquala on foot in 1976 to join the liberation struggle, under ZANLA.
In the same year, he was transferred to Chimoio Camp, where he underwent further training and was deployed to Gaza province where he operated until 1977 before undergoing an intelligence course in China before returning to Mozambique as a military instructor.
At independence, Cde Dzimiri played a critical role in the integration of ZANLA combatants into the Zimbabwe National Army.
Cde Dzimiri joined the Central Intelligence Organisation in 1983 where was deployed to various provinces.
At international level, the intelligence supremo was sent on a diplomatic tour of duty to Havana, Cuba in 2007 as a Liaison Officer where he worked hard towards improving bilateral relations between the two countries.
At the time of his death, Cde Dzimiri was the Director of Investments in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
He is survived by his wife and 8 children.
Mourners are gathered at house number 1854 Mt Pleasant Heights Harare and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
