Harare, (New Ziana) – The late Brigadier General (Retired) Donald Tshuma, who passed away at his home on Friday last week, has been conferred national hero status by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
He was 71.
Announcing the decision in a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, Zanu PF secretary-general Jacob Mudenda said the status was in recognition of Tshuma’s illustrious military career and contribution to the country during and after the liberation struggle.
“His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has conferred a National Hero status to the late Brigadier General (Retd) Cde Donald Silundi Tshuma, who passed away on 15th May 2026. Mourners are gathered at House No. 14010 Nkulumane 12, Bulawayo.
“The late Brigadier-General (Retd) Cde Donald Silundi Tshuma will be interred at the National Heroes Acre, Harare, at a date yet to be announced. The conferment of such honour opens the process to facilitate the usual arrangements for the hero’s burial and payment of benefits to his family,” Mudenda said.
The decorated army commander’s funeral parade was held at Imbizo Barracks in Bulawayo on Wednesday.
Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi led the parade and described the late national hero as a distinguished military officer who remained focused and steadfast in the face of neo-colonial machinations by the country’s detractors.
Tshuma joined the ZNA after independence and rose through the ranks. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 1981, then major (1982), followed by another promotion to lieutenant colonel in 2012.
In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General upon retirement.
New Ziana
