Harare – Zimbabweans yesterday came together at the National Shrine to pay their respects to the late Brigadier General (Rtd) Shadreck Dingaan Ndabambi, a decorated senior officer who served in Zimbabwe Defence Forces and was a veteran of Liberation Struggle.
Acting President, General (Retired) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, praising the late General Ndabambi for his dedication, loyalty, and discipline.
“The nation has lost a dedicated, loyal, and disciplined cadre who devoted his life to an illustrious service to the nation before and after Independence,” Chiwenga said.
General Ndabambi’s journey to becoming a national hero began in 1975 when he abandoned college to join the liberation struggle.
He underwent military training in Mozambique and was deployed in the Manica Province, where he operated for one and a half years.
After the ceasefire in 1979, he remained in Mozambique as part of ZANLA’s Stay Behind Party and later joined the Zimbabwe National Army in 1981.
Throughout his illustrious career, General Ndabambi held several challenging appointments, including Intelligence Officer at the Military Intelligence Directorate and Commanding Officer Special Investigation Branch at the Zimbabwe Military Police Directorate.
He was awarded several medals for his distinguished service, including the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, and the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.
“The nation has lost a dedicated, loyal and disciplined cadre who devoted his life to an illustrious service to the nation before and after Independence.
His character and personality were an embodiment of humility, loyalty, discipline and exemplary leadership”, Chiwenga said.
Acting President Chiwenga urged the nation to rally behind the visionary leadership of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as the country accelerates towards economic emancipation.
“We should honour those that ignited and championed the struggle for our freedom by emulating their exemplary conduct and leadership to carry Zimbabwe forward,” he said.
He went on to say, “As we accelerate toward our economic emancipation, I call upon the nation to rally behind the visionary leadership of our iconic leader, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, as we leave no stone unturned in our thrust to transform, modernise and grow the economy of our country to the Zimbabwe we all want.
The sacrifices by those that brought independence should be consummated by continuously galvanising all our efforts towards national development and prosperity. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikzi balo”.
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking government officials, including Minister of Defence and National Chairman of ZANU PF, Oppah Chamu Zvipange Muchinguri-Kashiri, and Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe.
The late General Ndabambi was laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre, a sacred shrine dedicated to Zimbabwe’s national heroes.