Zimpapers Logo

Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda speaks at the burial of the late liberation war hero, Lieutenant-Colonel Ronald Patrick Munyanduki (inset) at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare yesterday. — (Picture by Memory Mangombe)

Fungai Lupande Herald Reporter
Lieutenant-Colonel Ronald Munyanduki, who died on Wednesday last week, has been declared a liberation hero.

He was 59.

Lt-Colonel Munyanduki was yesterday laid to rest at Glen Forest Cemetery.

His hero status was declared after arrangements for his burial had already been made.

Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda described Lt-Col Munyanduki as a dedicated cadre.

“His death has not only robbed his family but also us of a committed, brave, patriotic and selfless commander,” he said.

“We are saddened by his untimely death. He communicated that he wanted to retire due to health issues.

“Before his retirement was processed we received the sad news that he passed on.”

Lt-Col Munyanduki succumbed to cardiac arrest at his Imbizo Barracks home.

Born on August 17, 1957 in Mutare, Lt-Col Munyanduki attended primary education at Chishakwe Primary School up to Standard Six.

He proceeded to St Columbus Secondary School in 1971 where he completed his Form Two in 1972.

After his formal education Lt-Col Munyanduki enrolled at Universal College of Commerce in Harare where he attained a Diploma in Salesmanship.

At the heat of colonial injustice the late Lt Col Munyanduki abandoned his job as a salesman and joined the liberation struggle.

He crossed into Mozambique on July 2, 1976 where he trained at Chimoio Mapinduzi training base.

He later went to Nachingweya training camp in Tanzania to further his military training.

Back home, Lt-Col Munyanduki was deployed in Gaza province as section security in Umzingwane and Shashe until the ceasefire in 1980.

After independence Lt-Col Munyanduki was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on July 1, 1981 as a private soldier.

He later went to the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) where he completed the senior management course.

He was then promoted to temporary major and rose through ranks to lieutenant-colonel.

His military career spanned over 35 years and saw him holding various administrative and command duties in many regiments.

At the time of his death he was the deputy commander Bulawayo District.

Lt-Col Munyanduki was instrumental in opening the route Tete-Moatize-Zombe and maintaining the route.

He was also credited for being involved in the attainment of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was honoured with several medals.

He is survived by his wife Maliet, seven children and two grandchildren.