The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu Senior Reporter
THE late war veteran Cde Donald Hitler Sibanda who died last week and was declared a liberation war hero was buried at his rural home in Tsholotsho yesterday.Cde Sibanda died of injuries sustained in a road accident along the Tsholotsho-Bulawayo road. He was 57.
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Professor Jonathan Moyo sent his condolence message to the Sibanda family saying he was deeply saddened by the untimely passing on of Cde Sibanda.
He assisted the family with groceries and money for the funeral.
The Member of Parliament for Tsholotsho South Cde Zenzo Sibanda said Zanu-PF had lost a patriotic cadre who was dedicated to the county’s cause.
“We have lost a great man who wanted to see the nation prosper. I stand here with a heavy heart, I am grateful to the people of this area who came in their numbers to bury their hero. Cde Sibanda was a gutsy man who stood with Zanu-PF in this area when many were defecting to other parties. He stood resolute and worked even harder for his party and we appreciate that,” he added.
Cde Patrick Ncube from the national executive of the Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association said the late Cde Sibanda’s death came as a big blow to the association. He, however, said war veterans were not registering with the association’s funeral assurance scheme and as a result they were failing to get decent burials.
“Some war veterans did not join the funeral assurance scheme that we said they must join and when they die they are not given a proper burial and it is an embarrassment to us as war vets. I encourage all those that have not registered to do so as soon as possible so that they are recognised when they die,” said Cde Ncube.
He said the War Veterans Association was devastated by his untimely death.
The widow of the late Cde Sibanda said she was grateful for the support given by Prof Moyo and other Zanu-PF members. She, however, said she was seeking financial assistance to pay her daughter’s tuition fees.
“I am grateful to Prof Moyo for the assistance. It has gone a long way in ensuring that the funeral went on smoothly. I am, however, asking for aid to pay tuition for our daughter Faith who is a third year accounting student at NUST. Her father was paying for her but now that he is late I will not be able to carry that burden alone. I hope those that can assist can always chip in,” said Mrs Lister Sibanda.
Cde Sibanda was born on 5 May 1956 at Mcetshwa Line under Chief Matupula. His chimurenga name was Travel Shumba.
He did his primary education at Mcetshwa Primary School from 1963 to 1970. He proceeded to Luveve Secondary where he did his form one and two. He came back home and herded cattle with boys of his age.
On 27 December 1976, he joined the liberation struggle where he crossed into Botswana where he was transferred to Lusaka in Zambia by a chartered plane. From Lusaka he was transported by crazy cars to Nampundu Transit camp. His camp commander was Cde Busobenyoka.
He was transferred for military training in Evanuvu (Odesa camp) where he was trained as a platoon commander.
He returned to Zambia in September 1978 and crossed into Zimbabwe where he operated in Hwange. When ceasefire was declared he was integrated into Zimbabwe National Army as a private.
He rose through the ranks up to the rank of Warrant Officer Two, and won the following awards, Platoon weapons instructor, Field artillery course (MRLK 70/85), Liberation medal, Long service medal, Mozambique campaign medal and O.S.L medal.
He retired from the Zimbabwe National Army on 1 May 2006. After his retirement he participated fully in politics as an active member of the ruling party, Zanu-PF which saw him being elected to stand in Tsholotsho’s Ward 5 as a councillor during the harmonised elections in July 2013.
He was the district chairman for Ward 5 Zanu-PF in Tsholotsho. He leaves behind his wife Lister, four children — three boys and one girl and seven grand children.
