A sombre atmosphere engulfed the Msane community in Beitbridg as hundreds gathered to give a befitting send-off to liberation war heroine, Cde Getrude Moyo, who died last week.
Dedicated, humble and patriotic were some of the words used by many to describe the late Cde Moyo, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Isabel Menziwa.
She was buried at her rural home with full military honours.
Family spokesperson Mr Edwin Muleya described the late heroine as a pillar of strength.
“We lost a pillar of strength, someone who contributed so much for this country. Words alone cannot explain the loss. We find solace in the fact that her works have been recognised by government.”
Fellow comrades remembered her as a courageous and selfless cadre who continued serving her country well after independence.
“As the association we have lost a pillar. She was dedicated to the welfare of cadres, she never looked back, she worked hard even after the war. She was an executive member of the association and an example of a dedicated cadre,” Cde Cephas Ncube, the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association said.
“As ZANU PF, we have lost not just a member but someone who was a torch bearer to many women. She never looked at her contribution in the struggle as a reason to be pompous. She was a leader,” ZANU PF Council of Elders member Cde Aaron Maboyi, said.
Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Kembo Mohadi, who attended the burial, eulogised Cde Moyo as a rare breed of female cadreswho sacrificed their youth for the country’s freedom.
“We are mourning a liberation stalwart who gave it all for the attainment of this country’s independence. She went to the war as a mere young girl. It’s sad that we have lost her. Her work will forever be in our hearts and souls. She was a rare breed.”
Born on June, 25, 1960 in Beitbridge, Cde Moyo attended Chamunangana Primary School and later proceeded to Zezane and Ekusileni for secondary education.
Like many youths of her generation, she left school in 1978 to join the liberation struggle and received her military training at Mkushi Camp in Zambia.
Following independence, she resumed civilian life and remained active in the ruling party ZANU PF.
She was elected a national member of the Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association in 1998, and in 2022, became the Deputy Secretary for Education in the same organisation, a position she held until her death.
Cde Moyo is survived by three children and four grandchildren.
