President Mnangagwa Hails National Heroes Ruwodo and Chinyanga for Lifelong Service to Zimbabwe

Major General (Retired) Richard Ruwodo

By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times

HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to the late National Heroes Major General (Retired) Richard Ruwodo and Professor Herbert Mapfumo Chinyanga, describing them as selfless patriots whose contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, defence forces and healthcare sector left a lasting national legacy.

President Mnangagwa led mourners at the burial of Major General (Rtd) Ruwodo at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Monday. Professor Chinyanga, in line with his wishes, will be cremated. Major General (Rtd) Ruwodo died on 7 July 2026, while Professor Chinyanga passed away on 2 July 2026 in South Africa. Thousands of mourners, including government officials, military personnel, war veterans and family members, gathered at the National Heroes Acre to bid farewell to Major General (Rtd) Ruwodo, whose Chimurenga name was Moshe Pwititi.

Addressing mourners, President Mnangagwa described Ruwodo as a dedicated freedom fighter and disciplined military officer who devoted his life to serving Zimbabwe.

"He was a gallant son of the soil who devoted his life to wholeheartedly serving our motherland, Zimbabwe, with unwavering patriotism, immense honour and professionalism," the President said.

He acknowledged the passing of many liberation war veterans but expressed confidence in younger generations to uphold the values of the liberation struggle.

"Sadly, our nation continues to lose that stalwart generation of devoted freedom fighters. However, we are emboldened by the new crop of young heroes and heroines who are taking up the mantle to carry forward the ideals of the liberation struggle."

Major General (Rtd) Richard Ruwodo's burial ceremony.

President Mnangagwa said Ruwodo abandoned a promising career in industry in 1975 to join the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), receiving military training at Chimoio, Mozambique, before serving as Director of Finance at the party headquarters in Maputo under the late National Hero Ernest Kadungure. Following Independence, Ruwodo held several senior positions within the Zimbabwe National Army, including becoming its first black Director of Pay and Records.

The President also honoured Professor Herbert Mapfumo Chinyanga, describing him as a distinguished physician whose work helped shape modern anaesthesia and medical education in Zimbabwe.

"His life was defined by patriotism, integrity, humility, professional excellence and selfless service. He was a towering national figure whose lifelong service helped transform anaesthesia, advance medical education and strengthen Zimbabwe's healthcare system."

President Mnangagwa noted that after qualifying as a specialist in anaesthesia and intensive care in Canada, Professor Chinyanga chose to return to Zimbabwe despite opportunities to pursue an international career. He later became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada before undertaking further training in pain management and serving at the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children, earning international recognition as a clinician, researcher and educator.

The President said Zimbabwe's development agenda depends on recognising excellence across all professions, including medicine, education, science and public service.

"Under my administration, all areas of specialisation, fields of work and professions remain critical national assets that must be appropriately organised to build, modernise and industrialise our country."

He reaffirmed the Government's commitment to implementing people-centred policies aimed at improving livelihoods as Zimbabwe works towards achieving Vision 2030.

Richard Ruwodo National Hero