Mnangagwa confers hero status on Chingono, Mupamawonde
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conferred national hero status on Major-General (Retired) Dr Herbert Chingono and liberation war veteran Elison Mupamawonde, in recognition of their contributions during the liberation struggle and in post-independence Zimbabwe.
Maj-Gen (Retd) Dr Chingono died on March 15 at his Pentland Farm in Mazowe following a short illness. He was 68. Mupamawonde passed away on March 3.
The announcement was made by Zanu-PF national chairperson and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who delivered the message to the Chingono family at their home in Harare. Meanwhile, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe informed the Mupamawonde family at Chipiri Farm in Centenary, Mashonaland Central.
Their conferment comes as the nation also mourns the death of Cosmas Chiringa, Permanent Secretary for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, whose body returned to Harare yesterday from Manicaland. All three have been declared national heroes and are expected to be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Monday.
Speaking at the Chingono family residence, Muchinguri-Kashiri said the President’s decision was based on Maj-Gen (Retd) Dr Chingono’s distinguished service to the country.
“He has seen fit to declare him a national hero after his service to the nation,” she said, noting that Chingono joined the liberation struggle at a young age after experiencing oppression under the colonial regime.
She described him as a principled, intelligent and courageous military figure who contributed significantly during the war and in the post-independence era, including in advancing food security initiatives.
Commander Zimbabwe National Army Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi said the nation had lost a dedicated cadre, recalling Chingono’s Chimurenga name, Swift Chakanyuka.
Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe John Jacob Nzvede described him as a skilled military strategist, while Zanu-PF deputy secretary-general Michael Nyambuya highlighted his expertise in artillery, noting his training in Romania and service in key operational zones during the liberation war.
Among senior officials who paid their respects were Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces Emmanuel Matatu and Retired General Phillip Valerio Sibanda.
A funeral parade for Maj-Gen (Retd) Dr Chingono is scheduled for today at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare, while a provincial farewell for Chiringa is being held at the Zanu-PF Harare Provincial headquarters.
Maj-Gen (Retd) Dr Chingono is survived by his wife, Loyse, six children and several grandchildren. Mourners are gathered at his family home in Greystone Park, Harare, while those for Mupamawonde are at Chipiri Farm in Centenary. *_-Bulawayo24_*
