Chikadaya, confirmed national hero

A fearless fighter, grassroots mobiliser par excellent, youth commander Simangaliso Phinias Chikadaya has been described as a hero of heroes.

Dedicated, loyal and committed liberator has proved beyond doubt that he is indeed a true hero in this fight for freedom, democracy and the real emancipation of the sons and daughters of Zimbabwe.

Leader, fighter, commander Chikadaya

Thousands of grieved party members, friends, relatives and people from across the political divide thronged No. 1600 Murape road, Houghton Park, Harare and later Chikadaya farm no. 155 Zviyambe in Wedza where he was finally laid to rest yesterday, 8 May 2012.

Acting President and Prime Minister Hon Thokozani Khupe confirmed the hero status of the young and fearless leader reiterating that the time will come when real heroes will be bestowed the full national honor they deserve. “The comrade we are laying to rest today was a dedicated young cadre who fearlessly fought for genuine emancipation of the people of Zimbabwe. His hero status cannot be a subject of debate.” reiterated Hon Khupe.

Youth commander Chikadaya, whose cadreship, loyalty and strength was evident in his dedicated mobilisation, strive for unity of purpose and unwavering stance on the respect of principles and values, was born on the 26^th of January 1977.

A former Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, Chikadaya did his education at St Albert’s school in Wedza.

Youth Commander Chikadaya was the Wedza district Organising Secretary then elevated to be Mashonaland East Provincial Youth Vice Chairperson. In 2006 at the Second National Congress held at Harare City Sports Center, he was elected the MDC Youth Assembly Deputy Organising Secretary. In 2011, he was elected the National Youth Organising Secretary at the 3^rd National Congress held in Bulawayo.

A fearless, loyal and committed leader to the very end, Chikadaya was an alert character who stood up for the Party’s values and principles to fight for real change and a new Zimbabwe.

GO WELL LEADER, YOUNG COMMANDER

Youth Commander Chikadaya was a cheerful person who strove to create an environment of inclusivity, unity and peace. He campaigned vigorously for the party in all election campaigns. He was known for bringing order and organising party programmes in Wedza and across the country. He rose through the ranks of the party to becoming a prolific young leader to which the party was blessed.

The youth commander was a grassroots mobiliser, a radical and vibrant youth leader who was fearless and commander in the struggle for real change.

The Youth Assembly, the party and the country at large has lost a promising leader and visionary whose daily strides were aimed at bringing freedom, liberation and emancipation of the sons and daughters of Zimbabwe. The Youth Assembly is in deep mourning as leader and commander Chikadaya was one of the most experienced youth leaders in the Assembly, who have worked with Youth Assembly President Solomon Madzore who is reeling under the brutality of the merciless Zanu Pf regime, languishing in remand.

The comrade has sadly suddenly left us in a brutal way reminiscent to the fate that befell the country on the eve of independence when revolutionary Tongogara was whisked away from the freedom train. The untimely death of youth commander Chikadaya also comes at the 11^th hour of the attainment of real change, in the last lap of the struggle for change. The struggle for democracy and emancipation of the people of Zimbabwe has suffered a huge blow, and the gap he has left will be hard to fill. The Youth Assembly will however remain resolute and the fighting spirit of the departed leader will inspire the movement to finish the struggle.

REVOLUTIONARY FAREWELL...WE WILL SOLDIER ON

The resilience and dedication of youth commander Chikadaya will inspire the Assembly to scale up the fight as we are about to reach the Canaan that he envisaged.

For and on behalf of the MDC Youth Assembly

Clifford Hlatywayo

National Youth Spokesperson

+263 773 011 599