By Shingirai Vambe
Thursday, 7:34 pm, Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The nation’s heart sank as outspoken Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, a revered war hero and stalwart of the Zanu PF party, took his last breath. The 83-year-old veteran politician had fought a decade-long battle with kidney failure, but his passing still came as a shock to his family.
“Tshinga Dube’s death is a tremendous loss,” said his son, Vusa, confirming the news to the media. “He had been unwell for 10 years, but we never expected it to happen so suddenly.”
Dube’s remarkable life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. As a war hero, he had fought tirelessly for the country’s independence, earning him a permanent place in the nation’s history.
After independence, Dube continued to serve Zimbabwe with distinction. He was a former parliamentarian, representing Makokoba constituency, and a cabinet minister under President Robert Mugabe. His fearless and outspoken nature made him a respected voice within the Zanu PF party.
Dube’s unwavering support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2017 military-assisted takeover cemented his legacy as a champion of Zimbabwe’s progress.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the nation. Fellow comrades, politicians, and ordinary Zimbabweans remembered Dube as a true patriot, whose selflessness and courage had shaped the country’s history.
He always spoke his heart out and in some instances stood his ground against government approach and way of doing business. he said earlier, “Professor Ncube, as I have already said has been to all these top financial institutions in the world but he cannot change what was derailed in 40 years in two years,” said Dube.
“So because sometimes we can take a horse to water but you can’t make it to drink. So I am not sure now when his high academic qualifications are going to take-off in our country. But I will say that of course if something has been undone for 40 years, it is not very easy to undo it in about three years. There must be something that we must look into very seriously.”
In the coming days, Zimbabwe is expected to honor Dube’s remarkable service by declaring him a national hero. This distinction would be a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to the nation’s freedom and prosperity.
As Zimbabwe mourns the loss of Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His bravery, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe’s development will never be forgotten.
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