Liberation struggle war veteran and senior government official Cde Cosmas Chiringa has been declared a national hero following his death earlier this week.
President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa conferred the status on the late Harare Metropolitan Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, recognising his contribution to public service and the country’s liberation struggle.
Cde Chiringa died on Monday at a local hospital.
The announcement was made at the family residence in Newlands, Harare, Friday evening by Senator Charles Tavengwa, who described the late official as a committed public servant.
“The late Cde Chiringa was an astute public servant who lived his entire life serving the country, and after consultations at all levels, President Dr Mnangagwa has declared him a national hero,” he said.
Family spokesperson Mr Kudakwashe Chiringa expressed gratitude to the President for the recognition.
“On behalf of the Chiringa family, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to President Dr Mnangagwa for conferring such a high status on our father. Yes, we have suffered a great loss, but the government has been a great pillar of strength,” he said.
Zanu PF Harare Provincial Chairperson Cde Godwills Masimirembwa said the province has lost a dedicated public administrator.
“We worked closely with Cde Chiringa, and he was a very dedicated public servant who had the people of Zimbabwe at heart. Harare Province has suffered a great loss.”
Cde Chiringa is survived by his wife, four children and six grandchildren.
Burial arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.
