Source: National hero Cde Chirinda burial on tomorrow | The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA will tomorrow preside over the burial of national hero Cde Jaison William Chezhira Chakaipa Chirinda.
Cde Chirinda died on Sunday owing to diabetic-related complications.
He was 82.
Yesterday, friends and relatives paid their last respects at his home in Nyatsime, where they described him as a humble and selfless cadre, as well as a distinguished freedom fighter. Family spokesperson Mr Tendai Dzumbunu said Cde Chirinda was a father figure in the family and the glue that held members together.
“He was a very loving and caring father, and everyone can testify to that. He held the family together and everyone would run to him,” he said.
His long-time friend, Mr Admore Nhengere, described Cde Chirinda as an open-minded person who was ready to listen to everyone despite being a liberation struggle stalwart and veteran.
“We have lost such a good friend as war veterans in this area. He was someone who could relate with the community easily. We worked together for a very long time,” he said.
After the memorial service in Nyatsime, Cde Chirinda’s body was airlifted to his plot at Number 39, Katanya Farm, in Matepatepa, Bindura, yesterday.
Today, his body will be flown to Charles Gumbo Barracks, where it will lie in state ahead of burial tomorrow.
On Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said President Mnangagwa will preside over the burial.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage wishes to inform the nation that following the conferment of national hero status on Cde Chirinda, his burial is scheduled for Monday November 4, 2024 (tomorrow) following consultations with the family.
“His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa, will preside over the burial,” reads part of the statement.
“Burial proceedings will commence on Monday November 4, 2024, and members of the public are invited to come and give a huge send-off to this dedicated son of the soil. Mourners are expected to be seated by 7am.”
Cde Chirinda was a distinguished military cadre, who played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
He was born on September 1, 1942, in Goora, Madziva, Mashonaland Central province, where he spent his early years.
He joined the liberation struggle in 1965, after which he underwent military training in Tanzania and later in China.
Upon his return, he led one of the two groups deployed to Sinoia (now Chinhoyi) against the Rhodesian forces, alongside the late Cde Chatambudza.
This marked the beginning of the Second Chimurenga, a turning point in Zimbabwe’s fight for independence.
Chirinda’s group of eight included the late ZANLA Commander, General Josiah Magama Tongogara, who had returned to Zambia when the battle commenced.
Unfortunately, Cde Chirinda was arrested after the Chinhoyi encounter and initially sentenced to death.
The death penalty was later commuted to life imprisonment.
He served time alongside renowned revolutionaries, including President Mnangagwa and Cde William Ndangana.
Cde Chirinda is survived by his wife Monia Muchenje and six children — Shungu, Gladmore, Ignatious, Jerina, Letwin and Reason — as well as 19 grandchildren.
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