Zimbabwe Bids Farewell to a Humble Soldier, A Loyal Servant of the People
By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — Zimbabwe today laid to rest National Hero Major General (Rtd) Everisto Dzihwema at the National Heroes’ Acre, with President Cde E.D. Mnangagwa leading the nation in honouring a life of discipline, humility and unwavering service.
The late General Officer, fondly known in the struggle as ‘Cde Kid Ma-wrong-wrong ‘ died on 25 June 2026 at the age of 63.
Speaking at the burial this Monday, President Mnangagwa said the late hero served the motherland “with unflinching patriotism, professionalism, dedication, and exemplary leadership” both in uniform and in Government.
“We acknowledge and honour the foot prints he leaves behind, of consistent and persistent wholehearted service, hence his interment here, at this sacred national shrine. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the President said.
Born on 1 January 1962 under Chief Tandi in Makoni District, Manicaland, Maj Gen (Rtd) Dzihwema’s early life was shaped by colonial injustices. The President recounted how the Land Apportionment Act and Land Husbandry Act displaced his family to infertile communal areas.
After being brutalised by Rhodesian soldiers on suspicion of aiding ZANLA fighters, the 16-year-old left home in mid-1978 and crossed the Gairezi River into Mozambique with 15 other patriots.
He trained, served as Platoon Commissar, and was deployed under Detachment ‘C’ of Chitepo Sector and later Sector B in Chiendambuya. At ceasefire he reported to Ellim Mission Assembly Point before integration into the Zimbabwe National Army.
President Mnangagwa said the late General Officer rose through the ranks serving with “immense professionalism” in Finance, Procurement, Human Resources and Quartermaster, eventually heading those departments.
For his service he received the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, DRC Campaign Medal and the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit.
After retirement, he continued serving the nation as Principal Director for Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, and later in the Ministries of Youth, Women Affairs, and Sport, Arts and Recreation. In January 2020 he was appointed Chief Director, War Veterans Affairs.
“In every posting, he devoted his energy, professional expertise, leadership acumen and ultimately his whole life, for the realisation of set national priorities,” the President said. “He possessed rare and strong leadership qualities that were underpinned by humility and a compassionate heart that earned him respect from all those that worked with him.”
The President urged Zimbabweans to preserve the values of unity, hard work and patriotism demonstrated by heroes like Dzihwema as the country moves towards Vision 2030.
He also assured Zimbabweans returning from the Diaspora of Government’s support for “seamless, safe, orderly and dignified re-integration.”
“Tinokugamuchirayi, Siyalamukela. Welcome home. Let us continue to build, modernise, industrialise and develop our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe together, as one united country.”
Concluding, President Mnangagwa said: “To the late National Hero, Major General (Rtd) Everisto Dzihwema: the nation cherishes your lifetime sacrifice. Zorora murugare Gamba ramaGamba. Lala ngokuthula Qhawe lama Qhawe.”
The burial was attended by First Lady Dr A. Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents Gen (Rtd) Dr C.G.D.N. Chiwenga and Col (Rtd) Dr K.C.D. Mohadi, Service Chiefs, Ministers, Chiefs, members of the Diplomatic Corps and hundreds of mourners.
