Bulawayo residents gathered at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday to honour the life of the late Retired Colonel and former War Veterans Minister, Tshinga Dube, who passed away on October 3 at the age of 83 due to kidney failure.
He will be buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Wednesday.
Speakers at the memorial service described Dube, a former liberation fighter, as a selfless, kind, and compassionate individual, known for his unwavering commitment to helping those around him.
Pastor Thamsanqa Ndlovu, Executive Secretary of the South Zimbabwe Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, highlighted Dube’s dedication to supporting disabled war veterans.
“I worked extensively with war veterans from this region and beyond, especially those who were disabled during the liberation struggle. When Dube learned of my involvement, he reached out to me. He gave me money from his pocket and asked me to distribute it among the war veterans,” said Pastor Ndlovu.
“I followed his instructions and returned with signed receipts. He would often make more calls and contribute additional funds. This generosity came solely from his resources. When the veterans here say they have lost a commander, I fully understand what they mean.”
Elkana Dube, a board member of Highlanders Football Club, shared how Tshinga Dube was not only a devoted supporter of the team but also played a pivotal role in securing funding, which led to the club obtaining a mining claim to help with finances.
Ainah Dube-Kaguru, Chief Operations Officer of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), where Dube served as a board member, described him as a “well of wisdom” whose contributions greatly benefited the company.
“He was a stalwart, and we gained immensely from his vast knowledge in managing both public and private institutions. His ever-jovial mood lifted our spirits whenever he visited. We have truly lost a vital member of our team,” Dube-Kaguru said.
