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State assisted funeral for late Alfred Nikita Mangena's widow
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The Government has accorded a state-assisted funeral to the late Sikhubekiso Madeya Mangena, widow of national hero and former commander of the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (Zipra), Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena. Mrs Mangena passed away at her home in Manningdale, Bulawayo, on Sunday night at the age of 69.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, visited the family yesterday to pay her respects and described the honour bestowed on Mrs Mangena as well deserved. She expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa's leadership for recognising the contributions of the Mangena family to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.
"We would like to thank the leadership of President Mnangagwa for recognising the contribution of our national hero, Nikita Mangena, and his family to the liberation of the country by according the late umama, Mrs Mangena, a state-assisted funeral. The Mangena surname is held in high regard in the history of the country's liberation struggle," Minister Ncube said.
Mrs Mangena played a pivotal role in supporting her husband during the liberation war, helping shape his military career as he fought alongside other stalwarts for Zimbabwe's independence.
Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena, one of the pioneers of the armed struggle, was tragically killed in a landmine explosion in southern Zambia in 1978. His remains were reburied at the National Heroes Acre on August 11, 1998.
Zipra, the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (Zapu), played a key role in the liberation struggle alongside Zanu and its military wing, Zanla. Following internal restructuring in 1971, Mangena was appointed Commander of Zipra, with Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo serving as acting Commander-in-Chief. Under Mangena's leadership, Zipra quickly became a well-organised and disciplined force. He also served on the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Council.
In recognition of his legacy, the Government named the cantonment housing the Zimbabwe National Defence University and other institutions the Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena Barracks.
A close family member, Mrs Sithandekile Moyo, said funeral arrangements will be announced soon as relatives continue to arrive from various locations, including overseas. She confirmed that the Government's support through the state-assisted funeral was deeply appreciated by the family.
Mourners are currently gathering at the late Mrs Mangena's home at 104 Triffin Road, Manningdale suburb in Bulawayo.
In May 2023, Mrs Mangena met President Mnangagwa and described her late husband as a dedicated cadre committed to Zimbabwe's independence.
Mrs Mangena is survived by her son, Lotshe, and several grandchildren.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, visited the family yesterday to pay her respects and described the honour bestowed on Mrs Mangena as well deserved. She expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa's leadership for recognising the contributions of the Mangena family to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.
"We would like to thank the leadership of President Mnangagwa for recognising the contribution of our national hero, Nikita Mangena, and his family to the liberation of the country by according the late umama, Mrs Mangena, a state-assisted funeral. The Mangena surname is held in high regard in the history of the country's liberation struggle," Minister Ncube said.
Mrs Mangena played a pivotal role in supporting her husband during the liberation war, helping shape his military career as he fought alongside other stalwarts for Zimbabwe's independence.
Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena, one of the pioneers of the armed struggle, was tragically killed in a landmine explosion in southern Zambia in 1978. His remains were reburied at the National Heroes Acre on August 11, 1998.
In recognition of his legacy, the Government named the cantonment housing the Zimbabwe National Defence University and other institutions the Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena Barracks.
A close family member, Mrs Sithandekile Moyo, said funeral arrangements will be announced soon as relatives continue to arrive from various locations, including overseas. She confirmed that the Government's support through the state-assisted funeral was deeply appreciated by the family.
Mourners are currently gathering at the late Mrs Mangena's home at 104 Triffin Road, Manningdale suburb in Bulawayo.
In May 2023, Mrs Mangena met President Mnangagwa and described her late husband as a dedicated cadre committed to Zimbabwe's independence.
Mrs Mangena is survived by her son, Lotshe, and several grandchildren.
Source - the herald
