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Cde Jaison William Chezhira Chakaipa Chirinda, a revered figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation history, has been conferred with national hero status by the Zanu PF Politburo. Known for his bravery and pioneering role in Zimbabwe’s fight for independence, Cde Chirinda’s legacy will now be honored at the Heroes Acre as a symbol of his commitment to the liberation cause.
An extraordinary Zanu PF Politburo meeting, chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was convened in Harare yesterday to deliberate on Cde Chirinda’s hero status. President Mnangagwa, who also serves as Zanu PF’s First Secretary, led discussions during the session held to recognize Cde Chirinda’s lifetime achievements.
Cde Chirinda, aged 82, passed away on October 27, 2024, from complications related to diabetes. In the wake of his death, Zanu PF Mashonaland Central Province submitted a formal request that he be awarded the national hero status.
Citing his exceptional contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, the province underscored his role in inspiring future generations of freedom fighters. Cde Chirinda was among the early military cadres who organized Zimbabwe’s first liberation operation in 1966, an event now remembered as the Battle of Sinoia.
This historical event marked the beginning of armed resistance against the Rhodesian forces and was a pivotal point in the Second Chimurenga, ultimately leading to Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980. At the Politburo meeting, President Mnangagwa highlighted the historical significance of Cde Chirinda’s contributions, calling him “one of our early heroes.” The President directed Zanu PF Acting Secretary-General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, to read a letter of recommendation from Mashonaland Central Province, affirming Cde Chirinda’s hero status.
Following the meeting, Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa, addressed journalists, confirming the Politburo’s unanimous decision.
“We have concluded our Extraordinary Politburo meeting. I am happy to announce that there was a unanimous decision to confer one of the early heroes with national hero status. It had to be an extraordinary meeting because of the gravity and loftiness of the person,” Mutsvangwa stated.
He further revealed that Zanu PF National Chairman, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, was entrusted with informing Cde Chirinda’s family in Madziva, Mashonaland Central Province, of the decision. Plans for the burial ceremony, tentatively scheduled for Monday next week, are underway. Cde Mutsvangwa highlighted Cde Chirinda’s legacy, describing him as one of the pioneering military figures who understood the importance of reclaiming Zimbabwean land lost in the late 19th century.
His early realization that Zimbabweans needed to fight militarily for their land distinguished him among liberation leaders. “Cde Chirinda was one of the early cadres that included President Mnangagwa, who took up military training in countries such as Ghana, Egypt, Russia, and China,” he noted.
Cde Chirinda, along with the late Cde Chatambudza, led one of two groups that fought in the historic Battle of Sinoia. This battle stands as a defining moment, showing the world that Zimbabweans were ready to wage war for their independence.
The engagement not only displayed strategic military prowess but also planted the seeds for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces that would emerge years later. Reflecting on the broader liberation movement, Cde Mutsvangwa emphasized the sacrifice young people like Cde Chirinda made. “If you look at school registers in the 1970s, they got empty as people went to join the struggle,” he explained.
The Politburo discussed the need for archiving these milestones, ensuring that future generations understand the personal and collective sacrifices that led to Zimbabwe’s independence.
Born on September 1, 1942, in Gora, Madziva, Mashonaland Central Province, Cde Chirinda spent his formative years in the area before moving to Zambia for secondary education at Chifubu Secondary School in Ndola.
In 1965, he joined the liberation struggle, starting his military training at the Three Leaves Brigade in Tanzania before heading to China for advanced training. Upon his return, he and others initiated the first military operations against Rhodesian forces in Chinhoyi. Cde Chirinda’s group included notable fighters like the late Zanla Commander Josiah Magama Tongogara, who had returned to Zambia just as the battle commenced.
However, following the Sinoia operation, Cde Chirinda was arrested, initially sentenced to death, and later had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment. He served at Khami Prison in Bulawayo alongside key revolutionaries, including President Mnangagwa and Cde William Ndangana, until his release.
Cde Chirinda is survived by his wife, Monia Muchenje, six children – Shungu, Gladmore, Ignatious, Jerina, Letwin, and Reason – and 19 grandchildren.
