Staff Reporter
Acting President, General (Retired) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, has paid tribute to three national heroes, Major General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, former Cabinet Minister, Chenhamo Chimutengwende, and Ambassador John Shumba Mvundura, for their selfless dedication to Zimbabwe’s liberation and development.
In a statement yesterday, Dr. Chiwenga highlighted Major General (Rtd) Siziba’s legacy as a military strategist who not only fought for Zimbabwe’s freedom but also contributed to Africa’s broader emancipation.
Known by his Chimurenga name, “Lebanon Ngazimbi,” the late Major General (Rtd) Sizibajoined the liberation struggle in 1977 after being recruited from Manama Mission School by ZIPRA guerrillas.
He underwent guerrilla training in Zambia under the leadership of General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, the current Commander of the Defence Forces. The late Major General (Rtd) Siziba survived the deadly 1978 attacks on Freedom Camp and Mkushi Camp by Rhodesian forces. Later, he received reconnaissance training in Moscow, USSR, before being commissioned as a captain in the Zimbabwe National Army.
He played vital roles in operations in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo during “Operation Sovereign Legitimacy.”
Turning to Cde Chimutengwende, Dr. Chiwenga lauded his contribution to the liberation movement as a resource mobiliser and advocate for international support.
Beginning his political journey at the age of 14, Cde Chimutengwende rose through the ranks to serve as Secretary for Information and Publicity in the ZANU Youth League by 1963.
In 1964, Cde Chimutengwende received military and ideological training in Ghana under the mentorship of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Later, he led the Europe-Third World Research Centre, exposing the exploitative relationships between Europe and developing nations. A follower of Mao Zedong’s teachings, he remained committed to the liberation struggle while in exile. After independence, he served Zimbabwe as a cabinet minister in various portfolios.
Dr. Chiwenga also paid homage to Ambassador John Shumba Mvundura, describing him as a steadfast activist during the early days of ZAPU and ZANU. A chair of youths in Old Highfield, Mvundura received military training in Mozambique and Tanzania before holding leadership roles within ZANLA. Post-independence, he represented Zimbabwe with distinction as a diplomat in countries, such as Mozambique, Eswatini, Libya, and Cuba.
“The nation has lost true patriots,” Dr. Chiwenga said, extending condolences to the Siziba, Chimutengwende, and Mvundura families on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Government.
As Zimbabwe reflects on the sacrifices of these heroes, their legacy of courage and commitment continues to inspire the nation.
