As people continue to celebrate the life of the late Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, his children have described him as a remarkable father who instilled the values of ambition and selflessness in them.
The children’s sentiments were conveyed by their aunt, Nomsa Mthembo, during the funeral service held at Barbourfields Stadium on Monday.
Mthembo read messages from Richard, Dube’s eldest son, whom he fathered during the armed liberation struggle in Zambia, and from his niece, Duduzile Moyo, who is based in the United Kingdom.
“My father fought the liberation war from the Zambian side, where he and his comrades strategized. He not only fought the war but also fathered a son whom he ultimately left behind to continue the battle,” Mthembo read.
“It is not easy to grow up without a father, but I am grateful that even after he returned to Zimbabwe following Independence, he never ceased to communicate with me. Through him, I learned many values, including humility toward people of all backgrounds, which was one of his greatest principles. His emphasis on education and family unity cannot be overstated.”
Moyo’s message highlighted how Dube exemplified the importance of ubuntu and love, always prioritizing those he cared about.
“I am deeply grateful to my uncle. He looked out for me, my mother, and my children when no one else would. He demonstrated the gift of love and ubuntu, always putting those he loved first,” Moyo’s message read.
“He instilled a spirit of love, belonging, and ambition. He was fiercely ambitious and wanted all of us to succeed. Anyone who treated his family poorly would find him ready to defend them.”
Dube’s in-laws, who also spoke at the service, described him as a humble individual who strongly believed in family unity and was always available to lend a helping hand when needed.
