Brigadier General Misheck Tanyanyiwa dies

By Tafadzwa Ndlovu

Brigadier General Misheck Tanyanyiwa, the country’s defence attache to China, has died. He was 58. Brig Gen Tanyanyiwa whose Chimurenga name was “Nemi Tichapedzerana” died in Beijing on Thursday last week. His body is expected in the country this afternoon.

Defence Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi expressed shock at the untimely death of Brig Gen Tanyanyiwa, a veteran of many battles, describing him as a loyal and dedicated cadre who played a role before and after independence.

“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces shall forever remain indebted to his immense contribution to the national cause from liberation through independence and inspired by his unwavering loyalty, devotion and dedication to duty, virtues we always strive to achieve,” he said.

Brig Gen Tanyanyiwa joined the liberation war in Mozambique in 1975 and underwent military training at Mgagao Training centre in Tanzania under the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) in 1976.

After training, he participated in the struggle in different appointments and later played a pivotal role in the integration of the Zimbabwe National Army transforming the Rhodesia Light Infantry to 1 Commando Battalion which he later commanded as its first ex-combatant black commanding officer.

He headed the Zimbabwe delegation to the DRC Joint Military Commission and was instrumental in the Lusaka ceasefire negotiations that brought peace in that country between 2000 and 2003.

“He served in different appointments as he progressively rose through the ranks to Brigadier General. Later in his career, he was appointed the Zimbabwe Defence Attachee to China, a post he held until his untimely death,” reads a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

Brig Gen Tanyanyiwa was born on 13 May 1955 in Bindura where he attained his junior certificate at Bradley Secondary School in 1971. He completed his ordinary level through correspondence after independence.

He was awarded several medals during his long service among them the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Ten Years Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign Medal and the Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award.

Mourners are gathered at Number 791 Roosevelt, Marondera, and burial arrangements would be announced in due course. The Herald