The ManicaPost
HUMILITY and perfectionism are traits that are hardly found in one character as humility demands downheartedness, while perfectionism exudes pride and, to some extent, arrogance. However, out of the crooked timber of humanity, in a cruel and imperfect world that we live in, the late Brigadier-General Eliah Bandama was living proof that God could still create perfectionists that remain humble in society.
Those that were privileged to have known and interacted with the late Brig-Gen attest that he was indeed a humble man who startlingly had no room for mediocrity.
Put simply — as down to earth as he was, he still wanted things done perfectly!
His eldest son, McDonald, who has been bereaved together with his young brother Reginald and two younger sisters — Sinikiwe and Caroline — spoke of a humble man who did all that he could to help all family members live a better life.
McDonald, who seems to be following his father’s footsteps as he is now a captain in the army, said his dad had a way to solve disputes that would leave not only his immediate family but the extended one as a united lot.
“He was a humble man irrespective of his status in the community and at his workplace. He did a lot for our family members and there is no doubt that they all appreciate his efforts to help them live a better life.
“He was a family man, who was principled. We wish we could emulate his ways.
“He was also a unifier even at family level. He had a way to solve disputes that would leave us as a united lot. Even within my own mother’s family, he was well respected simply because of his humility,” he said.
Humility was also the catchword in businessman and the late Big-Gen’s friend, Hlanganiso Matangaidze, who described the departed national hero as an epitome of humbleness.
Matangaidze said he did not allow his high status as a brigade commander to deter him from mixing and mingling with commoners.
“We all know how some individuals of the same calibre would behave in society, but Brig-Gen Bandama was different. He was very humble.
“It was just awesome to see how humble he was. He did not parade lofty status for all to see. In fact, it was so inspiring to see how he would comfortably relate even with those of perceived low social status,” said Matangaidze.
Humble as he might have been, those who worked with him in the military will tell you of a man who still wanted his things done perfectly.
His personal assistant, Corporal Nevermind Billie Chakuma, will always remember Brig-Gen Bandama as a man who had no substitute for the truth.
“He is one person who wanted his job done perfectly. He was quite a strict man who always wanted the truth to be said.
“Brig-Gen Bandama is one person who would say the truth no matter how much it hurts and would not keep grudges.
“He was hands-on. He loved exploring new things, especially the new internet and communication gadgets.
“He resented dirtiness or scruffiness. He was quick to correct even staff officers when their shoes were not well polished or when they were not properly turned out.
“The other thing about him is that he was very punctual. If you had an appointment with him and you delayed, chances were that you would find him gone,” said Corporal Chakuma.
Be that as it may, one of the things that Brig-Gen Bandama will be remembered for is his love for the game of football, let alone the domestic Castle Lager Premiership project — Buffaloes FC.
The 3 Brigade Commander loved the Buffaloes project with a passion, as he rarely missed any of their home matches as well as the team’s key away assignments.
Gentle reader, this writer also was there at Gibbo Stadium in 2012, deep in the thickets of sprawling sugar plantations of Chiredzi, when the late Brig-Gen sweated like he had just completed a marathon but instead had just been watching a painful 2-0 Buffaloes’ defeat at the hands of CAPS United in the Mbada Diamonds quarter-finals match.
Moments before that match, Brig-Gen Bandama had just pledged to give $2 000 to the team from his personal funds if they managed to outplay their rivals.
Such was the great love he had for a football club that knew him as its patron.
Even outspoken women soccer administrator Cecilia Gambe concurred that the football fraternity in Mutare had lost a pillar of strength.
“No doubt we have been robbed of a father figure.
“The football fraternity in Mutare is poorer without him. He was so passionate when it came to issues to do with Buffaloes. He wanted to see the project succeed.
“He is one person who kept on motivating the team even when the chips were down.
“He would go onto the field of play and congratulate the players when they won and consoled them when they lost. Such was his love for football,” she said.
Buffaloes FC executive committee member Ticha Zikai, who has been part of the team since its quest to regain promotion into the top-flight league, said Brig-Gen Bandama’s death will make life more difficult for them.
“He is one person who made work easier for us as an executive.
“His death is not only shocking but certainly makes us quake in our shoes as we imagine life without him.
“No doubt, he loved football with a passion.
“He is one man who enjoyed with the fans when the team wins, he would bleed inside when we lost, but even in defeat, he was quick to comfort everyone, even the players and coaches, and reminded us to look into the future with a positive attitude,” said Zikai.
