TRIBUTES FOR NATIONAL HERO COSMAS CHIRINGA

​​​​​​Tributes have poured in for Cosmas Chiringa, a national hero who has been described as a patriotic cadre who served the nation with dedication, loyalty, and humility. The remarks were made during a church service held at his farm in Rusape, Manicaland Province, where his body is lying in state.

Residents of Manicaland had earlier paid their last respects after his body was airlifted to his rural home in Nyanga District before being taken to his farm in Rusape. The body is expected to be airlifted to Harare on Monday for burial at the National Heroes Acre.

Speakers at the church service paid tribute to Chiringa, describing him as a committed cadre who worked tirelessly for the development of the province and the nation. ZANU PF Manicaland Political Commissar Albert Nyakuedzwa said Chiringa remained loyal to the party and its leadership.

"Cde Chiringa was very loyal to his leadership and to the ruling party. He championed issues related to the land reform programme here in Makoni. He was respectful," Nyakuedzwa said.

Other speakers, including ZANU PF Manicaland Central Committee member Shadreck Chipanga and Politburo member Mike Madiro, described Chiringa as a principled leader who stood by the truth.

Manicaland Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, highlighted Chiringa's contribution to public service, saying he rose through the ranks from district administrator to provincial administrator through diligence.

Family members expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for conferring national hero status on Chiringa. His daughter, Kudakwashe Chiringa, thanked the First Family for comforting the bereaved family.

Chiringa, who was the Permanent Secretary for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, died of heart failure on March 9, aged 63. He joined the liberation struggle in 1976 and served in public administration for over 39 years