ZIPRA veterans of the liberation struggle have described Sikhubekiso Madeya Mangena, the late widow of ex-military wing senior commander and national hero Alfred Nikita Mangena, as a pillar of strength to her late husband.
She died aged 69 on May 11, at her family home in Manningdale, Bulawayo.
Zipra War Veterans Association secretary-general Petros Sibanda told Southern Eye that they saluted Mangena’s heroic deeds and maximum sacrifice and determination in the fight against colonialism.
“The association joins the nation in mourning our national heroine, who was a pillar of strength to the late national hero Alfred Nikita Mangena during the protracted war of liberation that gave birth to Zimbabwe Independence in 1980,” Sibanda said.
“We salute her heroic deeds and maximum sacrifice and determination in the fight against colonialism seeking nothing, but justice, peace, development and equal opportunities for every Zimbabwean without exception.”
He stated that the late heroine rubbed shoulders during that period with Jane Ngwenya, Thenjiwe Lesabe, Gertrude Sihle Moyo, Amos Ngwenya and many others whose bodies lie in unmarked graves both outside and in Zimbabwe.
“As we mourn her, let us not forget our liberation heritage to protect the truth for our future generations,” Sibanda said.
“We implore the government to recognise the contributions made by all Zimbabweans during the war of liberation.
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“We are in a situation where people deliberately fight the truth for expediency reminding us of Amilcar Cabral’s words not to tell lies and claim easy victories.”
He lamented the life of widows of the liberation war fighters who most of them are facing survival challenges.
“The life of windows is not easy. The family might have benefited some state support. We appreciate that as well as recognising Nikita Alfred Mangena as commander of ZPRA. Veterans of the liberation struggle welfare issues are not sound as per what is in the Act,” he said.
The late Mangena has left her son and daughter who today are recognised with the naming and order of the Nikita Mangena University.
“We also request the State to give the Zipra veterans the honour and latitude to present lectures on Nikita Mangena and other departed heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle,” Sibanda said.
“We, the Zipra surviving members, realise that there is a wide knowledge gap of the Zipra liberation war commanders and the goings on during and after war that brought about freedom.”
He added: “Nikita Mangena’s contribution and that of his family must be accessible in annals of history and be accessible for next generations and research. May her soul rest in peace as she joins her husband.”
Nikita Mangena died on June 28, 1978 when his vehicle he was travelling in struck a landmine near Kabanga Mission in Zambia.
