President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa today described the late Brigadier General (Retired) Samuel Mpabanga as a gallant son of Zimbabwe, distinguished patriot and dedicated revolutionary who played his indelible part towards the liberation of Zimbabwe.
Addressing mourners at the burial held at the National Heroes Acre, the President said Mpabanga’s life was defined by courage, sacrifice and unwavering loyalty to the nation from the liberation struggle through his post-independence military service.
“He served within the security services with courage, integrity and distinction, always putting our country above his self-interest.His leadership, commitment and adaptability inspired many,” said President Mnangagwa.
The late cde Mpabanga, who died on 9 February 2026 at Gwanda Provincial Hospital aged 69, was born in 1956 in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, and grew up during the height of colonial rule and racial discrimination.
The President chronicled cde Mpabanga’s early education at Mapate Primary School, Beitbridge Primary and later Manama Mission and Matobo Secondary School, noting that many schools at the time became centres of political consciousness.
“Many schools of yesteryear were hotbeds of political education and awakening which saw young people make the crucial decision to fight for the liberation, freedom and independence of our country,” he said.
The late Mpabanga joined the armed struggle in 1977, crossing into Botswana before proceeding to training camps in Zambia under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA).
He later received advanced military training in Odessa in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics until 1979.
Following independence in 1980, Mpabanga was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army and rose through the ranks, undertaking various professional military courses and deployments during a career described as traceable and illustrious.
President Mnangagwa said the late hero earned several honours, including the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal and the Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign Medal.
“He never exhibited a sense of entitlement or an attitude of superiority. He was a humble officer and son of Zimbabwe. These are the character traits demanded of the current and future crop of leaders,” he said.
The President revealed that Mpabanga was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General upon retirement in August 2022 in recognition of his exemplary service in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Beyond recounting the liberation history, President Mnangagwa challenged the nation’s youth and education sector to embrace innovation and technology as part of a new revolution anchored on science, digitisation and industrialisation.
“Education institutions must rise to the occasion and produce young people that can effectively drive the development, prosperity and growth of our nation,” he said, urging Zimbabweans to draw lessons from liberation heroes.
He also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to inclusive development, highlighting ongoing infrastructure, skills training and decentralisation programmes in Matabeleland South Province ahead of this year’s Independence Day commemorations.
On behalf of Government and the ruling ZANU PF, President Mnangagwa extended condolences to Mpabanga’s family.
“The nation mourns with you over this sad loss. His contributions to our nation’s independence, security, peace and development will never be forgotten,” he said.
Cde Mpabanga was declared a National Hero in recognition of his role in the liberation struggle and dedicated service to independent Zimbabwe.
Story by Jeremiah Gora