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Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

Cde Silas Claver Chipunza (83), who succumbed to Parkinson’s disease on Saturday was laid to rest at Harare Provincial Heroes Acre on Wednesday.

The liberation hero was given a befitting send off by senior Government officials and security officials, senior ZANU PF members, family and friends.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Oliver Chidawu described Cde Chipunza as a dedicated cadre of the liberation struggle.

In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Jabulani Ndebele, a director in his office, Minister Chidau said Cde Chipunza received military training at Tembwe in Mozambique.

“During the liberation struggle Cde Chipunza rose through the ranks to the position of Camp Commander in 1976,” he said.

Cde Chipunza’s Chimurenga name was Sam Chipwanyamapfupa.

He was born in Makoni District, Manicaland. He did his primary education at St Columbus Mission Primary School before proceeding for secondary education and then enrolled at Mutare Teacher’s College. 

Minister Chidawu said the death of Cde Herbert Chitepo in a car bomb in Zambia in 1975, prompted Cde Chipunza to be involved in the liberation war. 

He then went to Romania where he was trained in public administration in 1979. After independence, Cde Chipunza joined the Ministry of Local Government as an administrator.

“In 1986, the State sent him to the University of Birmingham where he obtained a diploma in Local Government Studies. He also studied for a programme in water sanitation in developing countries. 

“On his return to the country he served as the provincial administrator in Manicaland from 1983 to 1990 before he was transferred to head office where he served until his retirement in 1995.

“Thereafter, he joined the Rusape Town Council from 1997 to 2000. Cde Chipunza remained a dedicated cadre of Zanu PF until his untimely demise,” Minister Chidawu said. 

He is survived by his wife, five children and four grandchildren.

Meanwhile, liberation war hero Cde Pasipanodya Hardiel “Hardlife” Chionioni, who collapsed and died on Sunday, was buried on Tuesday at Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre.

Cde Chionioni died at his home in Raffingora, Zvimba, at the age of 59.

Addressing mourners, Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, described Cde Chionioni as a true gallant son of the soil.

“He joined the liberation struggle in 1977 as a ZANLA freedom fighter. And received his military training at Takawira base, Mozambique, before being sent to Syria for further training in 1978,” she said.

Cde Chionioni was born in 1962 at Ndanga Hospital, Jichidza in Masvingo.

He is survived by wife, Mandi, three children and three grandchildren.