Cde Bonde: A Gallant Daughter of the Soil Remembered for Loyalty, Service and Devotion

A tribute to Cde Bernadette Betty Bonde, a Liberation Heroine whose life of loyalty, service, and dedication to ZANU PF, community empowerment, and national development

President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s conferment of Liberation Heroine Status on the late Cde Bernadette Betty Bonde reminded the nation that Zimbabwe’s peace, freedom and progress rest on the sacrifices of dedicated cadres. From her humble beginnings as a young Chimbwido in Murehwa to her role as a respected Central Committee member, Cde Bonde’s life embodied unwavering loyalty, discipline and service to the Revolution and to the vision now driving Zimbabwe towards Vision 2030.

Born on 26 December 1950 in Murehwa, Cde Bonde grew up during a politically charged era. Her path shifted when Dr Joshua Nkomo visited Bokoto Mountain, inspiring her lifelong political commitment. Supported by her uncle, Francis Bonde, she joined the liberation movement and served as a courageous Chimbwido in Chimhau Village. Those formative years anchored her belief in unity, sacrifice, and the collective struggle for Zimbabwe’s sovereignty.

After independence, her revolutionary spirit found new expression in nation-building. She relocated to Harare and played a pivotal role in strengthening ZANU PF structures. Her humility and organizational skill saw her rise steadily—from Branch Chairperson to Branch Commissar—roles that reflected her ability to inspire and mobilize grassroots cadres. Between 1984 and 1988, she served as Administrative Secretary at the ZANU PF offices on Manica Road before moving to Air Zimbabwe, where she worked diligently under the President’s Office for more than two decades. Her vigilance was evident in 2002 when she alerted leadership about security threats and politically motivated infiltration at the national airline.

Her political service further expanded as she took on influential positions, including Provincial Political Commissar for the Women’s League (1987–1993), District Chairperson for Mbare 2A (1997–1999), and Central Committee Member (1999–2004, re-elected 2013). Until her passing, she served in the National Consultative Assembly, guiding young cadres and championing women’s empowerment within the Party.

Beyond politics, Cde Bonde contributed significantly to community development. As a Trustee of the Southerton Constituency Community Development Trust (SCCDT), chaired by Cde Andrew Makahamadze, she supported initiatives aligned with President Mnangagwa’s “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo” philosophy. Projects included donating blood pressure machines at Edith Operman maternity section, constructing a greenhouse at Ruvimbo Special School, and improving drainage systems at Sally Mugabe Hospital. These efforts reflected her dedication to the national goal of Vision 2030—empowering communities through innovation, productivity, and unity.

Her colleague, Cde Makahamadze, described her as “a fountain of wisdom and humility, whose guidance always reflected the President’s pragmatic leadership.” Indeed, her leadership style mirrored the discipline and servant-heart ethos of the liberation struggle.

Cde Bonde passed away on 5 November 2025 after a long illness. She was laid to rest in Tabikira Village under Chief Mangwende in Murehwa—her home soil—befitting a daughter of the Revolution. She is survived by her daughter, Chipo Madondo. Her legacy continues to inspire patriots, particularly women committed to national development and political leadership.

As Zimbabwe marches toward Vision 2030, her life remains a beacon of loyalty, hard work, and faith in the Party’s leadership. Cde Bernadette Bonde will forever be remembered for a life well-lived, a Party faithfully served, and a President loyally followed.

MHSRIEP — May Her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.