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Kudzai Chikiwa, Chronicle Reporter
THE Mayor of Francistown Councillor Sylvia Muzila yesterday commended the Zimbabwean Government for giving war veterans provincial and national hero status saying it shows appreciation for the sacrifice freedom fighters made during the liberation struggle.

She was speaking at the burial of former Zanu-PF Bulilima West legislator and retired Zimbabwe National Army Major, Cde Lungisani Nleya Mndambeli, commonly known as Ndazi Ndazi, at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre.

Cllr Muzila, who is Cde Nleya’s sister, said being given hero status motivates people to do more for their country.

“I am humbled by the way the Zimbabwean Government appreciates the unwavering sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters during the liberation struggle. It shows that it recognises their sweat and blood which is a motivation to everyone to sacrifice for their land,” said Cllr Muzila.

She said the turnout of people at her brother’s burial is a sign of unity and collaboration in the country.

“People are united and they laid my brother to rest at a decent place. Ndazi Ndazi is the second family member in two months to be buried here but our family finds comfort in the support the nation gives us,” said Cllr Muzila.

She commended the Government’s efforts to cater for the welfare of families of war veterans.

“One of the impressive moves by the Government is the support given to families of war vets. I hear some children’s school fees is being paid and it’s a good initiative. It is an encouragement to the family and they can easily understand that their loved ones died for a good cause,” Cllr Muzila said.

“With this unity, Zimbabwe can retain its status of being the breadbasket of Africa. When people are appreciated they get motivation to invest more for their country.”

She said Cde Nleya was a father to the entire family who united everyone.

Government officials attended the burial including Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity and Bulilima-Mangwe Senator, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, who described Cde Nleya as a dedicated party cadre and war veteran.

“He was really an asset to the country, a war veteran who distinguished himself as a courageous and disciplined cadre committed to free his country. He was attested into the army where he served and reached the level of Major. He will be really missed and we grieve together with his wife and children. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Cde Khaya-Moyo.

Cde Nleya (61) died at the Roman Catholic church-run Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo last week, where he had been admitted for two days after a short illness.

Cde Nleya left the country in 1976 through Botswana enroute to Zambia where he was trained in guerilla warfare at Mwembeshi training centre.

He did his military intelligence course in Russia and when he returned home, he went to Gwayi Assembly point and in 1981 he was integrated into the ZNA headquarters 2nd Infantry Brigade and accorded Green board officer status.—@tamary98