The late former Zanu PF provincial chairperson for Manicaland Provice, Cde Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chugudu has been declared a national hero in honour of his contribution to the country before and after independence. Cde Chigudu d!ed on Wednesday after a long illness.
Zanu PF Politburo member, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira, was dispatched by His Excellency President Mnangagwa yesterday to deliver the message of the decision by the party to declare Cde Chigudu a national hero at the deceased’s Mount Pleasant residence in Harare.
President Mnangagwa said Cde Chigudu demonstrated bravery when he became one of the first cadres to be trained to fight in the liberation struggle.
“I received with deep sorrow and sadness, news of the untimely death of Cde Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu, a veteran of our liberation struggle, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, former Governor of Manicaland Province and former ZANU PF Manicaland Provincial Chairman.
“Cde Chigudu was among the brave sons and daughters of the soil who took a stand and fought for the Independence of Zimbabwe.
“He was one of the first combatants to be sent for training in North Korea under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZPRA), the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU).
“As he pursued the important mission, Cde Chigudu was captured and imprisoned for 12 years by the Rhodesian regime. After his release from prison, Cde Chigudu crossed into Zambia, reunited with his fellow comrades and resumed his duties and chores of the armed war of liberation.
“Cde Chigudu was a principled cadre who served the ruling ZANU PF Party and the Government with unquestionable allegiance, loyalty and dedication.”
“May the family derive comfort from the contribution he made to this great nation. In recognition of his immense contribution to our nation, both before and after Independence, the ZANU PF Politburo agreed to accord him the status of national hero. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said President Mnangagwa.
Mandiwanzira was accompanied by the party’s Central Committee member, Dr Jenfan Muswere, who is Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister and Makoni West legislator.
The late cde Chigudu was survived by his wife, Mrs Esther Chigudu and seven children.
M0urners are gathered at Number 9, Belsize Close, Northwood, Mount Pleasant in Harare.
