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Victor Maphosa Mashonaland East Correspondent
Cde Titus Thomas Makamanzi, who died in a car accident recently and was declared a provincial hero, was laid to rest in Marondera.

Cde Makamanzi, whose Chimurenga war name was Chamwangoita Mabhunu, was buried at Mashonaland East Provincial Heroes Acre last week in an emotional ceremony which was attended by several Government and Zanu-PF officials.

He was 61.

In a speech read on her behalf by deputy director in her office, Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Cde Apolonia Munzverengi described the late Cde Makamanzi as someone who was principled.

“It is with great sadness that we once again assemble here today to bury another gallant son of the soil, Cde Makamanzi, a renowned patriot and devoted comrade considering the role he played during the liberation war and after attainment of independence in 1980,” Cde Munzverengi said.

“He joined the liberation struggle in 1976 in Mozambique after he was annoyed by the oppressive and cruel tendencies that were being exhibited by the Rhodesian government. When Zimbabwe attained independence, he was attested into Zimbabwe National Army and was attached to the mechanised battalion and later retired in 1984.” Cde Munzverengi said Cde Makamanzi participated in the land reform programme and was a full time farmer until his untimely death.

“The people of Mashonaland East Province and indeed all Zimbabweans shall greatly miss the gallant son of the soil, his selfless dedication, sacrifice and heroic determination will forever be cherished in our memories and of generations to come.”

Cde Munzverengi urged war veterans to guard the gains of independence jealously, through unity. Born the sixth child in a family of 13, in Chimanimani District, Manicaland Province, Cde Makamanzi did his primary education at Chanyiti Primary School before leaving for Mozambique to join in the liberation struggle.

He is survived by his wife Mrs Joyce Mhlanga, nine children and four grandchildren.