Story by Online Reporter
ACTING President, Colonel (Retired) Dr Kembo Mohadi, has described the late Brigadier General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava as a selfless liberation war veteran and exemplary military officer whose life of service epitomised sacrifice, discipline and unwavering loyalty to Zimbabwe.
In a condolence message following Brigadier General (Rtd) Ngarava’s death on December 25, Dr Mohadi said he received the news with a very heavy heart and deep sorrow, paying tribute to a man who placed the nation above personal comfort from a young age.
Brigadier General (Rtd) Ngarava, whose Chimurenga name was Elias Chimurenga, left school in October 1976 to join the liberation struggle alongside four schoolmates. In early December that year, he crossed into Mozambique through the Gonarezhou area, a journey Dr Mohadi said demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment under perilous conditions.
“The late Brigadier General Ngarava, whose Chimurenga name was ‘Elias Chimurenga’, abandoned his secondary education in October 1976, to join the liberation struggle, together with four of his schoolmates. In early December 1976, Cde Ngarava risked life and limb crossing the border into Mozambique through Gonarezhou, which was heavily infested with wild animals. A true demonstration of nation before self,” Dr Mohadi said.
Following his display of discipline and dedication, the late General was selected for military training in Syria in early 1979. Upon completing the course, he was deployed to Gaza Province, Sector Four, where he operated until Zimbabwe attained Independence in 1980.
After Independence, Brig Gen (Rtd) Ngarava was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army in February 1981 as a sergeant. He later undertook the Basic Officers Course in 1982, which led to his commissioning as a lieutenant.
Dr Mohadi said the late officer continued to distinguish himself through professionalism and competence, rising steadily through the ranks from lieutenant in 1982 to his appointment as Brigadier General in 2023, a position he held until his retirement from active service in March 2024.
He added that Brig Gen (Rtd) Ngarava would be remembered for his consistent defence of national ideals both before and after Independence, noting that his sacrifices should inspire Zimbabweans to uphold the values for which he fought.
“The late Brigadier General undertook various military courses leading to his elevation from the rank of Lieutenant (1982), up to his appointment as Brigadier General in 2023, a position he held until his retirement from active service in March 2024. Due to his immense military contribution to the liberation of this country and conduct as a selfless, dedicated, exemplary, loyal and competent soldier, the late General Officer was awarded various medals during his career. He will be fondly remembered for consistently defending the Nation’s ideals before and after independence,” he added.
In recognition of his immense contribution to Zimbabwe, the Acting President announced that the ZANU PF Politburo agreed to accord Brigadier General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava the status of National Hero.
