Two respected former liberation War Veterans, Florence Mankosi Chirenda and Mangwende Madonko, were laid to rest with full honours at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane on Monday. The solemn ceremony, attended by family members, government officials, war veterans, and members of the public, was marked by an atmosphere of reverence and deep reflection on the contributions of the two fallen heroes.
Florence Chirenda, the widow of national hero Lieutenant Colonel Harold Chirenda, and Mangwende Madonko were both conferred with provincial hero status in recognition of their service and commitment to Zimbabwe’s liberation and post-independence development.
As their caskets were lowered into the ground, speaker after speaker paid tribute to the lives they led—describing them as individuals of courage, discipline, and unwavering patriotism. Mourners praised their sacrifices, not only during the liberation war but in the roles they took up after the attainment of independence.
Representatives from both families expressed gratitude to the government for honouring their relatives. A spokesperson for the Chirenda family said the recognition would be remembered for generations.
“As the Chirenda family, we truly appreciate the honour bestowed upon our mother and will forever cherish it,” said the spokesperson. “She stood firm through difficult times, supported the struggle, and later served her country with distinction.”
Two Liberation War Veterans Laid to Rest at Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre
A member of the Madonko family also echoed this sentiment, stating: “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. He served this country selflessly.”
ZANU PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson Jabulani Sibanda delivered a powerful address at the ceremony, emphasising the need for national unity and reflection on the legacies left by liberation fighters.
“These individuals contributed immensely to the country,” Sibanda said. “If something feels amiss, don’t question them—question yourself. They brought independence and order to this world. It’s now our duty to uphold the values they fought for.”
Born in 1954 in the Kezi District of Matabeleland South Province,war veteran,Florence Mankosi Chirenda dedicated her early adult years to the liberation cause. During the struggle, she received training in Romania, specialising in journalism—an uncommon but critical skill at the time. Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, she contributed to the development of the national media landscape through her work at New Ziana, a government-owned news agency. Her dedication to information dissemination and truthful reporting during a formative time for the country was praised as instrumental in building national identity. She passed away on July 15, 2025, and is survived by five children.
Mangwende Madonko, a committed liberation war veteran and disciplined soldier, served in the Zimbabwe National Army after independence. He retired in 2007 with the rank of Staff Sergeant, having given decades of loyal service to the military. Those who served alongside him described him as principled, hardworking, and a mentor to many young soldiers. He passed away on July 16, 2025, and is survived by his wife, Mrs. Betty Madonko.
The joint burial of the two provincial heroes served as a powerful reminder of the often unsung contributions made by many in Zimbabwe’s liberation and post-war nation-building. While not all veterans receive national attention, their sacrifices at provincial and community levels continue to shape the nation’s future.
As wreaths were laid and national songs played, many in attendance called for the preservation of the legacies left by veterans like Chirenda and Madonko. Speakers urged the younger generation to learn from their dedication, resilience, and belief in a better Zimbabwe.
“We must not let their sacrifices go in vain,” said one war veterans’ representative. “Let us honour them not only in words but in how we live—through service, integrity, and unity.”
The double burial marked a rare but significant occasion in Bulawayo, as the city continues to honour its own who played critical roles in shaping the history of Zimbabwe. The contributions of war veteran, Florence Chirenda and Mangwende Madonko will now live on, not only in the hearts of their families but also in the national memory, immortalised at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre.
Source- ZimEye
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