Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa has described the late Cde Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu as a principled and dedicated patriot, whose contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation and post-independence development earned him the status of National Hero.
In a statement following Chigudu’s passing, President Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a veteran fighter and seasoned administrator.
“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 Affairsand Cultural Heritage, former Governor of Manicaland Province and former ZANU PF Manicaland Provincial Chairman,” he said.
Chigudu was among the earliest freedom fighters to receive military training abroad, joining the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), the armed wing of ZAPU.
“He was one of the first combatants to be sent for training in North Korea under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA),” he noted.
Deployed as an intelligence officer in then-Salisbury, Chigudu played a critical role in gathering information on Rhodesian security operations, aiding the recruitment and training of liberation fighters.
“The critical information he gathered regarding the modus operandi of the racist Rhodesian forces assisted the guerilla operations and recruitment of young Zimbabweans for guerilla training,” President Mnangagwa said.
His activities led to his capture and a 12-year imprisonment under the Rhodesian regime. However, upon his release, Chigudu rejoined the struggle.
“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,” President Mnangagwa stated.
After independence, Chigudu held key positions in both Government and the ruling Zanu PF party, demonstrating unwavering commitment to national service.
“Cde Chigudu was a principled cadre who served the ruling Zanu PF Party and the Government with unquestionable allegiance, loyalty and dedication. He was a fountain of wisdom who offered wise counsel and advice in conducting both Party and Government business, drawing from his vast experiences,” he added
Recognizing his contributions, the Zanu PF Politburo conferred him with National Hero status.
“In recognition of his immense contribution to our Nation both before and after Independence, the ZanuPF Politburo agreed to accord him the status of National Hero,” President Mnangagwa announced.
Offering his condolences to the bereaved family, the President said, “On behalf of the Party, Zanu PF, Government, my family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Chigudu Family on this sad loss. May the family derive comfort from the contribution he made to this Great Nation.”
Chigudu will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, where he joins fellow luminaries of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
