Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
The country bid a solemn farewell today to one of its most revered sons, Cde Makhethi Ndebele, who was laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre. The burial ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, family members, veterans of the liberation struggle, and citizens who came to pay their respects.
In a heartfelt address, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, paid tribute to General Ndebele, lauding his unwavering dedication to the liberation and development of Zimbabwe. “We gather once again in solemn occasion here at the National Heroes Acre to lay to rest a gallant son of Zimbabwe, a distinguished patriot, pioneer liberation fighter and a former member of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) High Command,” President Mnangagwa stated.
Born on June 6, 1942, in Plumtree, Mangwe District, Cde Ndebele, whose Chimurenga name was ‘Comrade Jack Mpofu,’ was a pioneer combatant who joined the war of liberation in 1967. His journey as a freedom fighter saw him undergo rigorous training at Morogoro in Tanzania and further training in reconnaissance and intelligence in the Soviet Union. He eventually became an instructor at Morogoro, shaping the skills of many guerrilla fighters.
Cde Ndebele’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Zimbabwe’s history. He was part of the entourage when ZIPRA Commander General Nikita Mangena was killed in 1978, suffering a lifelong injury in the process. After independence, he continued to contribute to nation-building as a member of the Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association.
President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by liberation war heroes like Cde Ndebele. “Let us never forget that it is through the selfless and consistent sacrifices made by cadres such as the late Cde Makhethi Ndebele and many other departed heroes and heroines, that Zimbabwe continues to enjoy its sovereignty, Independence, unity and development,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to highlight the ongoing efforts to counter misinformation and external attempts to undermine Zimbabwe’s progress. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to lifting citizens out of poverty and maintaining national unity and vigilance.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including the First Lady, Dr. A. Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga and Col. (Rtd) K. C. D. Mohadi, and other senior government officials. The outpouring of respect and admiration for General Ndebele was palpable, with many expressing their condolences to the bereaved Ndebele family.
As Zimbabwe prepares to host the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, President Mnangagwa called for national cohesion and positive image-building. “Our vision of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030 can only be attained through positive image building. Our individual and collective efforts must deepen national cohesion and advance the development, modernisation and industrialisation of Zimbabwe,” he urged.
The burial of Cde Makhethi Ndebele serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for Zimbabwe’s freedom and the ongoing journey towards national development and unity. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to uphold the values of selfless sacrifice, patriotism, and bravery.
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