By Costa Nkomo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to the late Retired Colonel Tshinga Judge Dube, praising him as a man of unyielding honesty, a “too frank” individual who always expressed his views candidly, regardless of the repercussions.
Dube, a revered liberation war hero and military communication strategist, passed away on October 3, 2024, due to kidney failure at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo.
His legacy as a fearless truth-teller resonated deeply in Mnangagwa’s eulogy, especially considering the often turbulent political landscape of ZANU-PF.
Just weeks before his death, Dube had voiced his concerns over calls for Mnangagwa to extend his presidency beyond 2028, a proposal that would breach the constitutional two-term limit.
“He was a fearless cadre who always spoke his mind,” Mnangagwa reflected. “In fact, he was too frank. We need more leaders willing to speak the truth, just like our late National Hero.”
Former Minister Samuel Sipepa Nkomo echoed this sentiment, commending Dube for his ability to confront power head-on without hesitation.
“He was unafraid to tell both the late President Robert Mugabe and President Mnangagwa the unvarnished truth,” Nkomo stated. “You might not have liked what he said, but he always spoke honestly. Even within his own family, he was known for his straightforwardness.”
Beyond his reputation for forthrightness, Mnangagwa also highlighted Dube’s steadfast commitment to the liberation struggle.
“Our late retired Senior Military Officer rose through the ranks to become a pivotal member of the arms procurement department of ZIPRA, playing an instrumental role in facilitating the shipment of arms to support our fight against the racist settler Rhodesian regime,” he noted. “This perilous task ultimately led to his arrest and imprisonment in Botswana for smuggling weapons for our cause.”
Dube was not only a pioneer of the liberation movement but also one of the first fighters deployed to the frontlines, operating in the Tsholotsho District of Matabeleland North Province.
His contributions were crucial during the “Wankie Battles,” a collaborative effort between ZIPRA and Umkonto WeSizwe that expanded into Bulilima District in Matabeleland South Province.
Dube was laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Wednesday.
