Zimpapers Logo

Acting Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander Lieutenant General Phillip Valerio Sibanda lays a wreath on the casket bearing the body of national hero Cde Stanley Sakupwanya during a funeral parade at One Commando Barracks in Harare yesterday. — Picture by Innocent Makawa)

Farai Kuvirimirwa and Ray Bande
A funeral parade for the late Zanu-PF Politburo member and national hero Cde Stanley Urayayi Sakupwanya was held yesterday at One Commando Barracks. Cde Sakupwanya, who died on Tuesday night at Parirenyatwa Hospital was the Zanu-PF secretary for Welfare for Disabled and Disadvantaged Persons.
His burial is slated for tomorrow at the National Heroes Acre

Acting Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda, who officiated at the funeral parade, described Cde Sakupwanya as a veteran freedom fighter and a dedicated and loyal cadre.

“Throughout the armed struggle, the late Colonel demonstrated willingness and voluntary compliance with the plans and orders of his superiors,” he said.

“He exhibited unfailing devotion and commitment to the liberation cause, showing willing efforts to carry out the intent of the revolution to the best of his abilities.

“The senior officer participated persistently and consistently in the war of liberation which brought about the independence of Zimbabwe. At ceasefire, the late Sakupwanya was deployed with the advance team to integrate the guerillas into one force to form the Zimbabwe National Army.”

Lt Gen Sibanda said the nation and the Sakupwanya family had been robbed of a loving father, brother and a true revolutionary.

After the funeral parade, Cde Sakupwanya’s body was airlifted to his rural home at Sakupwanya Village in Mutasa, Manicaland where it lied in state and is expected to be taken to his farm in Rusape today.

The body arrived at the Sakupwanya homestead accompanied by Cde Sakupwanya’s sister Manana and his son Masiiwa.

The party officials who received the body include Central Committee members Retired General Mike Nyambuya, Cde Judith Mawire and Manicaland women’s league provincial chairlady Cde Joyline Porusingazi.

Close relatives and villagers were also present.

Rtd Gen Nyambuya said Cde Sakupwanya’s relatives will take over the funeral procession today before his body will be viewed for four hours at his farm before departure for Harare where it will be buried tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs Cde Miriam Chikukwa yesterday urged all Zimbabweans to come to the National Heroes Acre in numbers and bid farewell to one of the country’s illustrious sons. Cde Chikukwa said 30 buses have been secured to ferry people to the national shrine from the usual pick up points.

Cde Chikukwa said the party and nation had lost a dedicated cadre.

“We have lost a gallant son of the soil, a fighter and dedicated cadre,” she said.

Born on May 14, 1939, Cde Sakupwanya attended Columbus Primary School before proceeding to Moeng College in Botswana for his secondary education.

He joined the youth league of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 1960 and of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) when the former was banned.

He left the country in 1963 for the Soviet Union where he studied medicine and was elected to become the president of the Zimbabwe Student Union.

Upon completion of his studies in 1971, Cde Sakupwanya was recalled to Zambia before redeployment to Uganda.

He was later made the party’s representative and took over from Cde Simon Khaya Moyo and was recalled again to Lusaka to assist with the critical medical requirements after the bombings by the Rhodesian forces.

On September 10, 1980, Cde Sakupwanya was attested into the ZNA with the rank of Major and appointed Senior Medical Officer at 1 Medical Company before being posted to 1 Commando Battalion.

He rose through various ranks to become Lieutenant Colonel on September 27 in 1982, the rank he held until he resigned from the force on September 10, 1983.

During his tenure, Cde Sakupwanya was awarded with the Liberation, Independence and the Long and Exemplary Service Medals.

After retirement, Cde Sakupwanya entered private practice before he was installed as Chief Sakupwanya.

Between 2005 and 2013, he was Senator for Nyanga South.

Cde Sakupwanya, just like other youths of his time, was derived to join the liberation struggle by colonial injustices.

He is survived by 11 children and 15 grandchildren.