By Brighton Chiseva
The recent declarations of national hero status for the late Dr Sydney Gata and liberation war hero status for Colonel Claudius Makova have sparked controversy, highlighting the complexities of Zimbabwe’s hero recognition system.
While Dr Gata, a former Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) boss, was accorded the highest honor and buried at National Heroes Acre, Makova, a distinguished liberation war veteran and military leader, was denied the same privilege.
Colonel Makova’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his country and his people. Born with a sense of purpose, he joined the liberation struggle in 1977 under the Chimurenga name George Tichaitora Muchadura, crossing into Mozambique to fight for Zimbabwe’s freedom.
Several war veterans from Masvingo Province who spoke to TellZim News on condition of anonymity for fear of victimization said Makova equally deserved to be declared a national hero.
The war veterans said it was however not surprising that he was left out because he had no strong political connections with the current government considering that at some point he left Zanu PF to form Zimbabwe People First with former vice president Joice Mujuru.
“This did not come as a shocker, we know he deserved but he had no political connections because of his links to Zimbabwe People First and Joice Mujuru,”said one war veteran.
Another said real heroes were being sidelined in many aspects while they are alive and after death as witnessed by the honour given to Colonel Makova.
“Several comrades were denied that status and many are being left out even on other important programmes while they are alive, so we liberated this country and that was that, our contribution is no longer valued,” said another veteran.
On the other hand, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the late ZESA boss Sydney Gata a national hero status and was buried at the national shrine while Colonel Makova a distinguished war veteran and military leader was denied the same privilege although he was conferred liberation war hero status and got a state assisted funeral at his farm in Mkwasine, Chiredzi.
The two declarations sparked controversy, highlighting the complexities of Zimbabwe’s hero recognition system.
A proud son of Bikita, hailing from Chief Ziki’s area, Colonel Makova’s roots deeply influenced his commitment to the nation’s struggle for independence. His military journey took him to Tanzania, where he underwent initial training, and later to Nachingwea training camp, where he honed his skills as an instructor.
Furthering his military education, Colonel Makova was sent to Romania in 1979, where he completed advanced military training in 1982. Upon his return home, he was integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army and commissioned as a Lieutenant on July 22, 1983.
Throughout his illustrious military career, Colonel Makova rose through the ranks with distinction, becoming Captain in 1984, Major in 1990, Lieutenant Colonel in 1994, and finally, Colonel in 1995. He served in various capacities, including Public Relations Officer, Officer Commanding Shows and Displays, Deputy Director of Public Relations, and Director of Public Relations.
Colonel Makova’s commitment to personal development was evident in his academic pursuits. He earned a Higher State Certificate in Public Relations, a Higher Certificate in Marketing, an Intermediate Diploma in Journalism, a Diploma in Personnel Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Zimbabwe.
His selfless service to the nation was recognized through numerous awards, including the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, and 10-Year Service Medal.
Though he may not have been accorded the national hero status that many felt he deserved, Colonel Makova’s legacy speaks for itself. His life was a shining example of patriotism, dedication, and service. His contributions to our nation’s history will never be forgotten.
Makova later served as a Member of Parliament for Bikita West, where he focused on community development, building schools and clinics. His dedication to service and sacrifice earned him a reputation but failed to make it to the national shrine.
On the other hand, Dr Gata was a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s energy sector, serving as the boss of the ZESA. During his tenure, ZESA faced significant challenges, including power outages and financial struggles.
Gata’s tenure at ZESA was marked by challenges and controversy. Despite the parastatal’s struggles to provide reliable electricity to the nation, Gata’s contributions were deemed worthy of national hero status.
Born on December 17, 1946, in Marondera, Gata’s known role during the liberation struggle is that he and the late Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole allegedly formed the militant “Group of 59,” to resist the oppressive Smith regime.
He participated in anti-colonial demonstrations, including protests that targeted white farmers’ property.
After Independence, he became the first black General Manager of the Electricity Supply Commission (ESC) in 1983 and was responsible for restructuring of Zimbabwe’s power sector, overseeing the unbundling of ZESA into various subsidiaries.
However, for the past two decades, Zesa has been failing to provide power and the country was facing major black outs during the time he was at the helm.
Many believe that the honor was simply because of strong political connections as evidenced by the fact that he was the only executive chairperson a position specially created for him since there are no other executive chairperson in government parastatals.
The disparity in recognition between Gata and Makova’s contributions highlights the politicization of hero status in Zimbabwe.
However, if joining Zimbabwe People First was the reason why Makova failed to get national hero status it then exposes government hypocrisy since Ambassador John Mvundura did the same but got the hero status.
Mvundura was a businessman and politician who served in various roles, including as a member of parliament. His contributions to Zimbabwe’s economy and politics were recognized with a national hero status, despite being one of Mujuru’s deputies at People First.
As Zimbabwe celebrates its heroes, it is essential to reflect on the values and principles that underpin heroism. Should hero status be reserved for those who have made tangible contributions to the nation, or should it be influenced by political allegiance? The stories of Colonel Claudius Makova and Dr Gata serve as a reminder that true heroism is often complex and multifaceted, and that recognition should be based on merit, not politics.
