BY BAYANDA NKATHA
The body of national hero Tshinga Dube, who passed away last Thursday, was taken to his residence in Kilarney on Monday to lie in state, before being transported to Harare on Tuesday for burial at the National Heroes Acre on Wednesday.
Mourners, although poorly attended, gathered at Barbourfields Stadium earlier in the day to bid farewell to the revered liberation stalwart and pioneer freedom fighter.
Dube, also known as Siduduzo, Judge, Embassy Tshinga Dube, was instrumental in the liberation struggle, particularly in the training of freedom fighters, and continued to serve his country after independence.
President Mnangagwa conferred national hero status on the retired Colonel, recognizing his dedication and selflessness.
Speaker after speaker at the funeral service described Dube as a fearless leader, selfless, and a role model to many.
Bulawayo Provincial Minister Judith Ncube, the chief mourner, expressed her deepest condolences to Dube’s family and friends.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the life of a great man,” she said. “I would like to thank President Mnangagwa for recognizing Cde Tshinga’s hard work and conferring him with national hero status.”
Dube’s widow, Nomathemba Wendy Maphosa-Dube, was thanked for her dedication during her husband’s illness, and the support from Zanu-PF, political leaders, and everyone who helped, including the conferment of hero status by the President.
The funeral cortege passed by Highlanders Club House in North End, as Dube was a long-time benefactor of Highlanders Football Club.
The team was represented at the service and described him as a person who loved soccer and dedicated his support to the team.