Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube, a former ZANU PF Politburo member and war veteran, passed away on Thursday evening after a long battle with kidney failure. He has been posthumously declared a national hero.
In a condolence message to Dube’s family on Friday, ZANU PF National Chairman Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri conveyed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sentiments, describing Colonel Dube as a dedicated freedom fighter, loyal soldier, and humble, hard-working politician. Mnangagwa stated:
“In recognition of his significant contributions to the struggle for Zimbabwe’s independence and that of several nations in our region, the ZANU PF Politburo has decided to honor Cde Tshinga Dube as a national hero, ensuring he is remembered alongside his esteemed peers. This gesture reflects our nation’s gratitude and admiration for his service.”
Born on July 3, 1941, in Fort Usher, Matobo District, Matabeleland South, Dube became politically active at a young age, joining the liberation movement in the 1960s. He trained as a guerrilla fighter in the Soviet Union and China in 1972 and emerged as a prominent figure in the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) during the liberation struggle.
Dube rose through the ranks and played a key role in the arms procurement department, facilitating weapon shipments from supportive nations during Zimbabwe’s fight against colonial rule. Known as Cde Embassy, he was among the first guerrillas deployed to the frontlines in the Tsholotsho District of Matabeleland North. His unit helped lay the groundwork for the Wankie Battles, a joint operation with ZAPU and ANC fighters.
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As a military communications specialist, he worked alongside comrades like Cain Mathema, Joshua Mpofu, and Bhekuzulu Khumalo. Dube participated in the notable Madliwa battle along the Zambezi River Escarpment near Kariba, which lasted nearly five days.
During the ceasefire, he was appointed to a committee for integration and demobilization, representing ZIPRA, alongside Josiah Tungamirai from ZANLA and General Jacobs from the Rhodesian Army. Dube later became the commander of the signals department in the Zimbabwe National Army and achieved the rank of Colonel.
After ten years in the army, he moved to the Defence Headquarters as Deputy Secretary of Research and Development, later serving as the chief executive of the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI) for 23 years. He then entered politics, representing Makokoba in Bulawayo as a Member of Parliament.
In 2015, Dube was appointed Minister of War Veterans and authored a memoir titled “Quiet Flows the Zambezi.” He is survived by his wife, Nomathemba Wendy Dube, along with several children and grandchildren.
