Correspondent-Two former liberation war fighters, Florence Chirenda and Mangwende Madonko, have died and were laid to rest at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre on Monday.
Florence Chirenda was the widow of national hero Lieutenant Colonel Harold Chirenda.
A sombre atmosphere enveloped the City of Bulawayo as the coffins of the two were lowered at the Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane. Speaker after speaker described the deceased as dedicated and hardworking. Family members expressed gratitude to the
government for honouring their relatives with provincial hero status.
“As the Chirenda family, we truly appreciate the honour bestowed upon our mother and will forever cherish it,” said a family spokesperson.
“Everything went smoothly, and as the Madonko family, we are grateful for the hero status conferred on our brother. We are inspired to follow in his footsteps.”
ZANU PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson Jabulani Sibanda emphasised the importance of unity during his address.
“These individuals contributed immensely to the country. If something feels amiss, don’t question them—question yourself. They brought independence and order to this world,” he said.
Born in 1954 in the Kezi District of Matabeleland South Province, Florence Mankosi Chirenda died on the 15th of this month. During the liberation struggle, she trained as a journalist in Romania and later worked for New Ziana after independence. She is
survived by five children.
Mangwende Madonko served in the Zimbabwe National Army and retired in 2007 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He passed away on the 16th of this month and is survived by his wife, Mrs. Betty Madonko.
