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Herald Reporter
Veteran liberation fighter Cde Peter Manyani, who died on March 10 at Parirenyatwa Hospital after a long illness has been declared a liberation hero. He was 84.
“His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of Zanu-PF, Cde Robert Mugabe has conferred liberation war hero status on the late Cde Manyani,” Zanu-PF secretary for administration Cde Didymus Mutasa announced in a statement yesterday.

Burial arrangements were yet to be announced.

Many have described Cde Manyani as a selfless, dedicated and honest cadre considering his role in the struggle and in Zanu-PF after independence.

His son Admire said the gap left by his father would never be filled.

“He was the pillar of our strength,” he said.

“He loved his relatives and sent many to school. He was strict and honest.”

Cde Manyani’s daughter Dadirayi said his death was a great loss to the family.

“He left us to join the liberation struggle,” she said. “Even after the war, he was always out attending Zanu-PF meetings and functions and we would miss him.

“We thought we were going to spend more time with him, but he has left us. It is sad that he died on his birthday.”

Uncle to the late Cde Manyani, Mr Enos Jakarasi said his nephew was a family builder and a no nonsense man.

Cde Manyani was a successful farmer who was well known in Mt Darwin.

He did his Standard Six in Chihota in Mashonaland East Province and completed a building course before teaching in Chihota.

He became involved in politics in the 1960s and joined the armed struggle in 1972.

He stayed at Chesa in Mt Darwin until recruitment by Cde Joseph Khumalo, (Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Joel Muzhamba), together with other members of the Group of 45 who launched the second phase of the Second Chimurenga in 1972.

They crossed into Zambia through Musengezi River on foot.

Cde Manyani is survived by his wife, Filda, 10 children and 36 grandchildren.