Antony Chawagarira
Wedza East legislator and Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire has praised Victor “Coach Rambo” Kazembe for his bravery and selfless service following the recent Budiriro tragedy in which he played a key role in recovering bodies and assisting grieving families.
Minister Machakaire said he was unable to immediately comment on the incident as he was attending a Cabinet meeting when the tragedy occurred, but expressed admiration for Kazembe’s extraordinary courage and sacrifice.
“In a moment of great tragedy, he displayed the strength of a lion and the heart of a servant, risking his own life to bring dignity to the deceased and closure to grieving families,” said Machakaire.
“His actions remind us that true heroes are defined not by words, but by sacrifice and service to others.”
The Minister said Kazembe’s conduct exemplified the values Zimbabwe needs as it pursues national development and food security.
“As a nation pursuing food security and sustainable development, we need more citizens with such compassion, integrity and commitment to humanity. Men like Coach Rambo place the welfare of others before personal gain, and those are the values that build a strong nation,” he said.
Machakaire revealed that he intends to appeal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to consider officially honouring Kazembe for his heroic actions.
“I will find time to humbly appeal to President E.D. Mnangagwa to consider recognising and rewarding this outstanding son of the soil. A piece of land and a few cattle would be a fitting gesture of appreciation and would empower a man who has already demonstrated that service to others comes first,” said the minister.
He said Zimbabwe should celebrate citizens who go beyond the call of duty in service of others.
“Zimbabwe is proud of Victor ‘Coach Rambo’ Kazembe. We salute his courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity. May his example inspire us all.”
Kazembe, widely known as “Coach Rambo”, is a veteran volunteer rescue diver and swimming instructor who has spent nearly two decades assisting in life-saving operations across Zimbabwe. Over his 18-year career, he has worked with police sub-aqua units, the Zimbabwe National Army and communities in flood-prone areas, helping people navigate dangerous rivers, crocodile-infested waters and other hazardous environments.
His latest act of heroism came during the Budiriro tragedy, where he repeatedly plunged into a sludge-filled sewage and council trench to recover the bodies of three people who had drowned. Working alongside sub-aqua teams and the City of Harare Fire Brigade, Kazembe made several risky dives into the dark, toxic water, bringing closure to devastated families.
His bravery has earned widespread public admiration, with many Zimbabweans describing him as a true patriot and national hero. In recognition of his selfless service, businessman Wicknell Chivayo recently rewarded him with a Toyota Aqua vehicle and US$20,000 for fuel, while the City of Harare also presented him with groceries as a token of appreciation.
Kazembe has continued to receive praise from across the country, with many calling for formal national recognition of his extraordinary courage, sacrifice and dedication to serving others in times of crisis.
