By Jeremiah Gora
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has described the late national hero and Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, Cde Victor Matemadanda, as a dedicated liberation war veteran, patriotic leader and distinguished diplomat whose contribution to Zimbabwe’s independence and development will be remembered for generations.
In a condolence message following Cde Matemadanda’s death on Saturday night, President Mnangagwa said he received news of the ambassador’s passing with deep grief and sadness.
The President said Cde Matemadanda’s association with nationalist politics and the liberation struggle dated back to his youth when he was part of the Zimbabwean migrant community in Zambia.
He noted that despite enjoying a relatively comfortable life in Zambia, Matemadanda chose to join the liberation struggle, helping to mobilise support for freedom fighters and refugees in camps in Zambia and Mozambique.
President Mnangagwa said the late national hero later became directly involved in the war effort, including transporting war materials using Scania trucks to operational bases to support the liberation struggle.
Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, Cde Matemadanda joined the Zimbabwe National Army, where he served with distinction before becoming an influential leader within the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association.
The President praised the late ambassador’s commitment to defending the interests and welfare of war veterans, noting that his principled stance on veterans’ issues led to repeated incarceration during the First Republic.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted Matemadanda’s tenure as ZANU PF National Political Commissar, saying he injected exceptional vibrancy into the ruling party at a time when it sought to overcome institutional inertia.
In recognition of his leadership qualities, President Mnangagwa said he later redeployed Cde Matemadanda into the diplomatic service as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini.
The President said the ambassador excelled in his diplomatic role, particularly through his efforts to identify, rehabilitate and preserve wartime shrines and burial sites in Mozambique where many Zimbabwean freedom fighters are buried.
“It is sad that he has been snatched away from us before completing this vast project which summoned all his attention and energies,” President Mnangagwa said.
He pledged that the Second Republic would continue the work of rehabilitating and properly curating the liberation war shrines and burial sites in Mozambique as a tribute to both the fallen heroes and the late ambassador.
President Mnangagwa extended his condolences to the Matemadanda family, particularly Amai Matemadanda and their children, saying the nation shared in their grief.
He said Zimbabweans should take comfort in the exceptional contribution made by Cde Matemadanda towards the country’s freedom and development.
Cde Victor Matemadanda died on Saturday night while serving as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini.
He was a liberation war veteran, former Zimbabwe National Army officer, former ZANU PF National Political Commissar and a prominent leader of war veterans.
President Mnangagwa concluded by praying for the late ambassador’s soul to rest in eternal peace.
