Unedited piece….names below are not arranged in order of importance but I started from Chatikobo going upwards to Dikitiki!
Part 1
Celebrating Civilian War Heroes
1) VaChibonda
An old man who was arrested many times for his opposition to Rhodesian regime. He was released from detention during the height of the liberation struggle in Murinye. His arrival in Murinye heralded a great fighter. The Zanla forces celebrated his release as he was a pillar of support. His son Cuthbert Chibonda was head at Mazani Primary School. VaChibonda used his son to open up the Mazani, Chidari, Mashenjere and Daitai bases for Zanla forces. VaChibonda was nicknamed Mandebvu by the Zanla forces. Although very old he would travel on foot from Chatikobo to Topora organising, mobilizing, educating, and recruiting people to fight for independence.
2) VaMundondo
A very courageous man. He was soft spoken but a very good strategist. The Zanla forces enjoyed his company. He was responsible for setting up bases at home and paChikangare. These were very big and strategic military bases. Cde Dendera loved this base. Cde Dendera was the Operation Commander for Murinye area. Cde Mugaradzakabopwa who was Section Commander also loved Majiri (Chandipwisa, Mundondo, and Mutusva areas). The two rarely ventured across Mucheke River. They had VaMundondo’s homestead as their base. VaMundondo was a great liberation struggle hero for Murinye area.
3) Rev Dumbu…R5 Chidoko
He was the most decorated youth of the liberation struggle. The Zanla forces nicknamed him “R5 Chidoko “.A Man of unsurpassed bravery, fearless and a true leader. His organising and mobilizing skills were second to none. He was responsible for infiltrating into Rhodesian army position and feedback to Zanla forces the enemy’s strength and strategies. VaDumbu was known in nearly all villages from Chatikobo to Zano. The Zanla forces survival was anchored on the information dissemination skills of VaDumbu. If VaDumbu missed on correct information and quick transmission of information to Zanla forces it was dangerous and meant deaths of both Zanla forces and civilians. Remember there were no cellphones, so it was only by word of mouth. VaDumbu had a well coordinated, efficient and reliable youth wing ( Mujibha and Chimbwidos).
4) VaMugwanda…Mudhara Dherekeshe
A former police officer. He had retired long ago and was running a general dealer shop at Mashenjere Township. He was well read and up to date in current affairs. The Zanla forces loved his bravery and fearless character. He was responsible for opening the northern front that is Daitai , Mashenjere, Chidari, Mazani and Gweheye areas. The frankness and openness to the Zanla forces made him a darling to both military and civilian liberation struggle forces. VaMugwanda was the only person who could challenge the Zanla forces on their strategy and they could listen to him. He gave the comrades advice which they would accept. His advice made the comrades survive many near fatal battles. VaMugwanda was a great man. A true liberation struggle hero.
5) VaDzimiri….Cde Samora!
VaDzimiri was trusted man by the Zanla forces. He was very efficient and brave man. He was responsible for opening up the Dikitiki, Topora, Uzeze , Daitai and Zhaka areas. Cde Samora as he was always referred to by the comrades was responsible for identifying the Nyazvivi River ambush base which Cde Tendai Kubatana used to gun down three Rhodesian helicopters.
6) Kerina Zvobgo…The Ironlady!
A thunderous speaker. A great organiser and mobilizer. She was responsible for educating women and organize the Women’s league. The only known female Zanla cadre to operate in Murinye was seen in Chatikobo, Mutusva, Makoni, Chisiya areas. Kerina Zvobgo became the connection conduit of the Zanla female comrades and women in the area.
7) Serina Mazani
A very faithful liberation struggle cadre. She was a great underground mobilizer, organiser and educator. She was like the right hand of Kerina Zvobgo. Kerina could not have achieved much without Serina Mazani.
There are many people who played major roles during the liberation struggle. The above were a cut above the rest. These were the pillars of the liberation struggle in Murinye.
Most of these great liberation struggle heroes and heroines are no more. We only remember their great works. The liberation struggle could not have achieved such great success in Murinye without the bravery, fearless and courageous characters of these great men and women.
There is every good reason for sons and daughters of Murinye to honour our liberation struggle heroes. The Heroes Day is now an urban area celebration. The rural areas, where the war was fought is no longer important or remembered by the crop of rulers who are at the helm of the state. If sons and daughters of Murinye were as united as these men and women were during the liberation struggle truly one year a Heroes Day celebration was befitting to celebrate in the area. Why not honour our own relatives and home people for the role they played to liberate us?
🇿🇼☝🏿🇿🇼 Patriotic Papa JC speaks when things are not good for citizens who want better change in Zimbabwe.
