Story by Gay Mathambo
THE late Charity Bhila, a ZANU-PF Central Committee member, has been declared a Liberation War Heroine in recognition of her contribution to the liberation struggle, women’s empowerment and development in Manicaland Province.
Bhila died on Friday last week after a short illness and was buried at Checheche Cemetery in Chipinge this Sunday.
ZANU-PF Chipinge South Central Committee member, Comrade July Faira, confirmed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa conferred the heroine status.
“We thank the President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for awarding her Liberation War Heroine status,” said Faira. “We were together in Harare last week and suddenly we heard that she was rushed to hospital and then she didn’t make it. She loved her party, she loved Zimbabwe and we will continue to work with her children as they are also party members.”
Her son, Chiredzi North legislator Honourable Roy Bhila, described his mother as a devoted cadre committed to ZANU-PF and the upliftment of vulnerable women in Chipinge.
“It is a big loss to the family. Our mother is gone. We tried all we could when she was in hospital but it was God’s time. We are happy that Mum taught us to love ZANU PF and also to love our country,” he said.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said Bhila would be remembered for her dedication to the province’s development.
“We want to thank our President, Comrade Emmerson Mnangagwa, for declaring Comrade Bhila a liberation war heroine. She was a Central Committee member, and she also fought for this country during the liberation struggle. She was a hard worker. What is painful is that she left at a time when she was supposed to enjoy the fruits of an independent Zimbabwe,” he said.
Other party members said Bhila mentored many politicians in Chipinge and remained loyal to the ruling party even during challenging periods.
Born on 23 December 1950, Bhila, whose Chimurenga name was Comrade Mabhunu Muchapera, attended Chisumbanje Primary School and completed her O-Level studies through correspondence.
She joined the liberation struggle in Mozambique in 1976. After independence, she entered the civil service, serving for 30 years as a Community Development worker within the correctional services in Chipinge South.
Within ZANU-PF, she held several posts, including Provincial Secretary for Education and Women’s League Provincial Political Commissar. At the time of her death, she was a member of the party’s Central Committee.
Bhila is survived by 10 children and 52 grandchildren.
