Wesley Murove
The Midlands community gathered at Midlands Heroes Acre in Gweru last Wednesday, as they bid farewell to Cde Mica Ndebele, known by his Chimurenga name Rhodes Sitombeko, who passed away on October 17, 2025, after a prolonged illness at Claybank Private Hospital in Gweru.
Honorable Owen Ncube, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Midlands, delivered the speech at the burial, paying tribute to the legacy of a cherished freedom fighter and dedicated patriot.
“It is indeed a sad day for the entire Midlands community as we gather here to say goodbye to yet another gallant son of ourvLiberation Struggle,” said Ncube.
He emphasized the immense loss felt by the Midlands Province and the Ndebele family, acknowledging Ndebele’s selflessness and unwavering loyalty to ZANU-PF and the fight for Zimbabwe’s independence.
Honorable Ncube also expressed gratitude for the Liberation War Hero status conferred upon Cde Ndebele by His Excellency, President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, in recognition of his sacrifices for Zimbabwe’s liberation from colonial rule.
“The Midlands Province appreciates this honor, as it reflects our shared commitment to honor those who fought valiantly for our freedom,” he stated.
Highlighting the leadership of President Mnangagwa, Ncube noted, “Our President is not only a distinguished and decorated freedom fighter himself but also a visionary leader committed to transforming Zimbabwe’s economic landscape.”
He applauded the President’s achievements in modernizing infrastructure and economic growth, which have created jobs and improved livelihoods across the nation.
“As you may be aware, our Vision 2030 torch bearer, the President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, Head of State and Government, Commander-in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa is himself a distinguished and decorated freedom fighter trained in Egypt and China, among other countries, and thereafter selflessly and fearlessly engaged the racist colonial regime operating under the famous Crocodile Gang.”
“It is therefore befitting to havea leader with impeccable liberation war credentials leading the country, bolstered by an overwhelming mandate unanimously endorsed by all the 10 provinces at the highly successful 22nd ZANU PF National People’s Conference in Mutare.
The Midlands His legacy as a selfless leader and a courageous freedom fighter will forever remain etched in the hearts and minds of the people he served.
Barely a week after the sad loss of Cde Mica Ndebele, Comrade Mtodzaniso, whose Chimurenga name was MuBritish Mabhunu Muchapera, passed on, on 21 October 2025, at his home in Ascot, here in Gweru, after a long illness.
Cde MuBritish Mabhunu Muchapera, among other politically conscious youths of his time who were inspired by Mbuya Nehanda, Sekuru Kaguvi, General Khumalo, and others’ brave resistance against foreign occupation during the First Chimurenga, crossed the borders for military training, took up arms, fought hard, and defeated the oppressive white minority regime to usher in our in dependence through the barrel of the gun.
After retirement, Cde Mtodzaniso became an active member of the ruling Party
ZANU PF and was subsequently appointed Secretary for the War Veterans League in Mtapa District until the time of his departure.
