Harare — BINDURA-SHAMVA Senator Cde Misheck Takaedza Chando, who died in a car crash last Friday, has been declared a national hero and will be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Saturday.

Zanu-PF secretary for administration Cde Didymus Mutasa, accompanied by Politburo members Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Sydney Sekeramayi, told the Chando family and mourners gathered at Bamboo Creek Farm in Shamva yesterday that the decision had been unanimous.

"As we researched and asked those who knew him, after receiving a request from the province, all 34 Politburo members present unanimously agreed to accord him national hero status," he said.

Cde Mutasa said the Politburo had recognised Cde Chando's immense contribution to the liberation struggle and national development programmes after independence in reaching the decision.

He said Zanu-PF received the news of Cde Chando's death with shock, saying he had left a void that would be difficult to fill.

Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairman Cde Dickson Mafios said they were grateful that the Politburo recognised Cde Chando's works, adding that the province found solace in his conferment of national hero status.

"We as the province are deeply pained that our leadership is perishing on the roads, but at least we get solace when their good works are recognised and they are bestowed deserving status.

"I would like to call on the Government to ensure the history of our living heroes is compiled and that their works are recognised instead of only doing so upon bereavement," he said.

The Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central Province wrote to the Politburo on Monday requesting that Cde Chando -- whose Chimurenga name was Cde Makasha -- be declared a national hero.

Condolences continued to pour in yesterday.

The Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions expressed deep sorrow at Cde Chando's death and described him as an astute freedom fighter who would be sadly missed by all progressive Zimbabweans.

In a statement, ZFTU secretary-general Mr Ephraim Tsvaringe said: "The Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions has received the sad news of the death of Senator Misheck Chando with deep sorrow and grief.

"It is unfortunate that Cde Chando has died before enjoying the benefits of independence fully. It is cadres like him who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we now enjoy."

The ZFTU said his legacy was an inspiration to all workers in the continued fight for economic emancipation.

Cde Chando's contribution to the country's liberation is legendary.

Born on February 12, 1941 in Murehwa's Jacob Village, he joined the liberation struggle in 1971.

In 1972 -- together with late Cdes Josiah Magama Tongogara, Robson Manyika and 150 others -- he was transferred to Mgagao in Tanzania for further military training.

In 1975, Cde Chando was among the cadres who went to Chimoio to receive President Mugabe, Cde Edgar Tekere and the late Chief Rekayi Tangwena.

He was deployed to Gaza where he was involved in a battle that left him critically injured and was taken to Maputo Military Hospital.

On his discharge, he was appointed camp commander for Tembwe in Tete Province and was later commander at Maroro, Fingwe and Doroi camps

During the 1979 ceasefire, Cde Chando was assigned to remain with 250 comrades in Tembwe Camp so that he and others would maintain graves for some of the fighters buried there.

He is survived by two wives and 18 children.