KEY POINTS
- On Wednesday, retired Colonel Tshinga Dube will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre.
- Dube played a significant role in the liberation of Zimbabwe and the military integration that followed its independence.
- In addition, he oversaw the Zimbabwe Defence Industries and was the deputy defense minister.
Retired Colonel Tshinga Judge Dube, a former Makokoba lawmaker and liberation war hero, will be buried on Wednesday at Harare’s National Heroes Acre. Dube, who died at the age of 83, was hailed as a national hero for his crucial contribution to Zimbabwe’s post-independence service and liberation war.
Hundreds of mourners are anticipated to attend a burial service today at Bulawayo’s Barbourfields Stadium in remembrance of Dube’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation and progress.
Immense Contributions to Zimbabwe’s Freedom
President Emmerson Mnangagwa sent his sympathies and commended Dube for his extraordinary commitment to Zimbabwe’s freedom. Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of Dube’s contribution to the history of the nation. “His life symbolized a generation forced by colonial brutality to rise up and overthrow oppression through armed resistance,” Mnangagwa stated.
One of Dube’s enduring legacies, according to Mnangagwa, was his crucial involvement in the post-independence process of uniting disparate armed formations into a single national army. Additionally, he recognized Dube’s services to the security and defense industries.
After the liberation war, Dube served in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), where he rose to the rank of colonel in his illustrious military career.
According to New Zimbabwe, he also led the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI) for 22 years, playing a major role in procuring defense equipment for the country’s armed forces.
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Beyond his military accomplishments, Dube left behind a lasting legacy. Between 2015 and 2017, he was the deputy minister of defense and a member of the ZANU-PF Politburo. In addition, his public service and political positions showed his unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe’s progress.
The war veteran was admitted to Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo for almost a week before to his death due to kidney failure, according to his son Vusa Dube.
Dube’s commitment to public service was further evidenced by his contributions to various national parastatals and his active participation on the board of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) at the time of his death.
Final Farewell for a National Hero
In addition to his valiant struggle for freedom during Zimbabwe’s liberation war, Dube is being remembered for his post-war work in development and public service as preparations for his funeral at the National Heroes Acre take place. For one of the pivotal players in Zimbabwe’s military and independence movement, his death signifies the end of an era.
At today’s funeral service at Barbourfields Stadium, mourners from all across the nation are anticipated to pay their final respects to a man who made significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s history and development.
A permanent memorial to Dube’s lifelong dedication to the nation he helped liberate and create will be his last burial place in the National Heroes Acre.
