Story by Tamuka Charakupa
CDE Ricky Erico Magwaza who was declared Mashonaland West Provincial Hero was buried at the Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre this Saturday.
He died at the age of sixty-five.
The Magwaza family thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the befitting honour accorded to the late cadre.
“We are grateful that the government has recognised the contributions of my late brother,” Mr Andrew Magwaza said.
“My father was a loving man who not only cared for this family but the community at large. This is a huge loss to us but we have been comforted by this top honour,” his son, Leeroy Magwaza said
The Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo described the late cadre as a visionary leader who was passionate about community development.
“We are saddened as a province by the loss of Cde Magwaza. He was a dedicated leader who was passionate about development. He participated in the liberation struggle and after independence he was actively involved in the Zanu PF party to the time of his death. We are grateful to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for honouring us as a province,” Honourable Chombo said.
Cde Magwaza whose Chimurenga name was Cde Garikai Vatema did his primary education at Kuwadzana Primary school in Banket and his secondary studies at Waddilove High School before joining the liberation struggle in 1976.
He attained his military training at Chibawawa in Mozambique at Chibawawa and later at Nachingweya Base in Tanzania as a ZANLA Cadre.
Upon independence, the late Cde Magwaza worked in several government ministries and was also actively involved in the land reform programme.
He is survived by four children and three grandchildren.
