Staff Reporter
The late National hero Cde Ezekiel Tobias Musiiwa Chaunoita has been described as a God fearing and hard-working cadre who dedicated his life to empowering communities.
In his address at the National Heroes Acre today, President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa highlighted that the Late National hero Cde Ezekiel Tobias Musiiwa Chaunoita played a key role during the liberation struggle and after independence for the development of the country.
“Despite serving at high levels of responsibility, Cde Chaunoita never displayed a sense of entitlement or superiority. He remained a humble servant of our nation. These exemplary traits and character should be cultivated across public and security services,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa emphasized the crucial role played by the late National Hero Cde Chaunoita in escorting the late General Magama Tongogara from Maputo to his base in Chimoio for ceasefire duties assigned to his troops. He also highlighted tragically, on the same day, the late National Hero Cde Chaunoita, along with current ZANU PF National Chairman, Cde Muchinguri Kashiri, survived a devastating car accident that claimed the life of General Tongogara.
“Cde Chaunoita survived the Nyadzonia massacre, which claimed the lives of hundreds of comrades and left many others severely injured. Subsequently, he underwent three months of initial military training and specialized in Military Engineering at Tembwe in late 1976,” said President Mnangagwa.
Born on June 1, 1958, in Gutu District, Masvingo Province the late National Hero Cde Chaunoita received his education at institutions such as Gudo Primary School, Mataruse Primary School, and Gutu Secondary School.
He left the country in September 1975 to join the armed struggle under ZANLA in Mozambique, alongside figures like Brigadier General Retired Charles Hwekwete, the late Colonel Masocha, and the late Amen Sithole.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa urged youths to oppose those who attempt to undermine our Independence, freedom, dignity, and sovereignty through deceit or falsehoods.
“I urge the youth, at the forefront of our ongoing national development agenda, to emulate the selfless sacrifice of the previous generation who bravely took up arms to liberate our nation,” said President Mnangagwa.
Cde Chaunoita was a firm believer in black empowerment and embraced various Government programs and projects such as the Land Reform and this saw him acquiring Strathlore Farm in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province.
Cde Ezekiel Tobias Musiiwa Chaunoita is survived by wife Ellen, several children and grandchildren.
