Story by Gay Matambo
THE late national hero Cosmas Chiringa has been described as a patriotic cadre who served the nation with dedication, loyalty and humility.
The remarks were made during a church service held at his farm in Rusape, Manicaland Province, this Sunday where his body is lying in state.
Earlier in the day, residents of Manicaland had an opportunity to pay their last respects after the body of the late liberation war veteran was airlifted to his rural home in Nyanga District before being taken to his farm in Rusape.
The body is expected to be airlifted to Harare this Monday for burial at the National Heroes Acre.
During the church service, several speakers paid tribute to the late national hero, describing him as a committed cadre who worked tirelessly for the development of the province and the nation.
ZANU PF Manicaland Political Commissar, Comrade Albert Nyakuedzwa said Cde Chiringa remained loyal to the party and its leadership.
“Comrade Chiringa was very loyal to his leadership and to the ruling party. He championed issues related to the land reform programme here in Makoni. He was respectful.”
ZANU PF Manicaland Central Committee member, Comrade Shadreck Chipanga, described him as a principled leader.
“This man we have come to bid farewell to was a good man. He was a no-nonsense someone who stood by the truth, and we have lost a true hero.”
ZANU PF Politburo member, Comrade Mike Madiro expressed gratitude to Emmerson Mnangagwa for conferring national hero status on the late liberation war veteran.
“We want to thank the President for honouring Cde Chiringa and conferring him national hero status. He was disciplined and loved his country.”
Manicaland Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza highlighted Cde Chiringa’s contribution to public service.
“He contributed to Zimbabwe’s development trajectory. Through diligence, he rose through the ranks from district administrator to provincial administrator. He was a committed son of the soil.”
Family members also expressed gratitude to President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for recognising the late liberation war veteran’s contribution to the nation.
His daughter, Kudakwashe Chiringa, thanked the First Family for comforting the bereaved family.
“We want to thank the President for honouring our father. We also want to thank Amai Mnangagwa, who came as soon as she heard the news that our father had passed on to console us.”
Cde Chiringa, who was the Permanent Secretary for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, died of heart failure on March 9.
Born in Nyanga District on December 10, 1960, he joined the liberation struggle at the age of 16 in 1976 when he crossed into Mozambique.
After independence, he went on to serve in public administration for more than 39 years, rising through the ranks to become a senior government official.
