Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
TUESDAY, March 18, marked 50 years since the tragic assassination of Cde Herbert Wilshire Pfumaindini Chitepo, a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.
On March 18, 1975, Cde Chitepo, then chairman of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), was killed in a car bomb attack in Lusaka, Zambia. The phrase: “Beware the Ides of March” has echoed through history since the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, serving as a timeless reminder of political intrigue.
For Zimbabwe, the Ides of March carries its own profound significance, marked by the assassination of Cde Herbert Chitepo on March 18, 1975. Together with one of his bodyguards, Cde Silas Shamiso, they were killed instantly.
Cde Sadat Kufamadzuba, his other bodyguard, was injured.
The Ides of March, which falls on March 15, was immortalised by William Shakespeare in his play, Julius Caesar.
It was on this day that Caesar was betrayed, leading to his assassination and the eventual collapse of the Roman Republic. The phrase has since become synonymous with the unexpected treachery of politics.
For Zimbabwe, the Ides of March extends beyond the 15th to encompass the 18th, the day Cde Herbert Chitepo was killed in a car bomb attack in Lusaka, Zambia.
Cde Chitepo, Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) chairman, was a unifying figure in the liberation struggle, and his death was a devastating blow to the movement.
Like Caesar, Cde Chitepo’s assassination was a turning point, altering the course of history and leaving a legacy of both inspiration and caution.
Cde Herbert Chitepo’s death was, not just a personal tragedy, but a calculated act aimed at destabilising Zimbabwe’s fight for independence.
While the exact perpetrators remain disputed, many believe the Rhodesian regime was behind the attack, seeking to dismantle ZANU’s leadership and weaken the liberation movement.
Although an initial inquiry by then President of Zambia, the late Dr Kenneth Kaunda initially apportioned the blame to ZANU infighting, an autobiographical account by Lieutenant-Colonel Ronald Reid-Daly (founder and Commander of the Selous Scouts) refutes this assertion.
In his book titled Pamwe Chete: The Legend of Selous Scouts (2000), Lt-Col Daly stated that the Rhodesian Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) led by Ken Flower orchestrated the assassination and “planted” evidence blaming ZANU members.
Hugh Chunk Hind, an ex-SAS soldier and a Zambian farmer, Ian Sutherland are believed to have carried out the assassination.
Born on June 15, 1923, in Watsomba under Mutasa District in Manicaland, Cde Chitepo became one of the first black Zimbabweans to qualify as a barrister (lawyer).
He was educated at St David’s Mission School, Bonda, St Augustine’s School, Penhalonga and then at Adams College, Natal, South Africa, where he qualified as a teacher in 1945.
This was where he met Cde Victoria Mahamba-Sithole, a South African whom he married in 1955.
After teaching for a year, he resumed his studies to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from Fort Hare University College in 1949.
He qualified as a barrister-at-law, and was called to the bar by Gray’s Inn. He was a research assistant at the School of Oriental and African Studies.
On returning to Rhodesia in 1954, he practised as a lawyer and defended African nationalists in court.
In 1961, he served as legal adviser to the late Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Nkomo, founder of the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU), at the Southern Rhodesia Constitutional Conference in London.
In May 1962, ZAPU was banned because of militarism and Cde Chitepo was persuaded to go into voluntary exile to escape possible detention.
He became Tanganyika’s (now Tanzania) first African Director of Public Prosecutions.
In January 1966, Cde Chitepo resigned as Director of Public Prosecutions and moved to Zambia to concentrate on the armed struggle.
Cde Herbert Chitepo with the late military supremo, Cde Josiah Tongogara organised and planned successful military guerrilla attacks and underground activities in Rhodesia from 1966 onwards.
In 1972, he coordinated war operations with FRELIMO of Mozambique and opened up the north-eastern region of Zimbabwe as a new and effective war front.
His legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice positioned him as a key leader in the fight against colonial oppression.
Cde Chitepo’s assassination was a stark reminder of the lengths to which oppressive systems would go to maintain control. Yet, much like Caesar’s death, which galvanised his supporters, Cde Chitepo’s martyrdom fuelled the resolve of Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters.
His death became a rallying cry, intensifying the armed struggle and ultimately contributing to the downfall of colonial rule.
His martyrdom became a symbol of the sacrifices required for Zimbabwe’s independence, which was finally achieved in 1980 after a protracted and bloody struggle.
Cde Chitepo’s role in ZANU was instrumental in shaping the armed struggle against the white-minority regime of Ian Smith.
As chairman, he provided strategic direction and international advocacy, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s plight was heard on the global stage. His leadership galvanised the liberation movement, inspiring countless Zimbabweans to join the fight for freedom.
Cde Herbert Chitepo was not merely a politician.
He was a visionary who understood that Zimbabwe’s independence would require both political mobilisation and armed resistance.
Over the years, Zimbabwe’s Government has instituted various measures to honour the legacy of the late national hero, Cde Herbert Chitepo and his wife, Cde Victoria Chitepo.
Recognising their significant contributions to the country’s liberation struggle, Government has immortalised Cde Chitepo’s legacy through initiatives such as the naming of various institutions and public spaces in his honour.
The Chitepo School of Ideology in Harare, established to educate citizens on national history and ideological consciousness, bears his name.
Additionally, the main street in Mutare has been named after him, ensuring that his name remains central in public memory.
His wife, Cde Victoria Chitepo, has also been honoured, with Mutare Provincial Hospital being renamed Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
There have been growing calls to erect a statue of Cde Herbert Chitepo in Mutare’s city centre, further reinforcing his historical significance.
These commemorative acts reflect Government’s commitment to embedding his contributions into the national consciousness.
The Department of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Herbert Chitepo Trust (HCT), to implement a comprehensive preservation initiative.
A major initiative on the cards in the preservation of the Chitepos’ legacy is the establishment of a museum at their homestead in Mutasa.
The museum will serve as a house museum, showcasing artefacts, original furnishings, and exhibits that reflect the family’s lifestyle and contribution to the liberation struggle.
The project will involve collecting, documenting, and preserving artefacts, materials, and documents pertaining to Cdes Herbert and Victoria Chitepo, renovating the Chitepo house into a museum facility, digitising and archiving museum products for broader accessibility, and curating permanent exhibitions that narrate the Chitepos’ historical role.
NMMZ Eastern Regional Director, Dr Paul Mupira, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: “It is imperative to preserve the legacy of our liberation icons. The establishment of a museum will ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by our forebears.”
He further highlighted that: “This project is, not just about history, but also about fostering national pride and educating young Zimbabweans on the foundations of their independence.”
Additionally, a community archive is being established at the Chitepo homestead in collaboration with the National Archives of Zimbabwe.
This initiative will focus on collecting oral narratives and archiving documents of historical importance related to the Chitepos’ contributions.
According to Dr Mupira: “A crucial aspect of the preservation effort is the restoration of a historic classroom at St David’s Mission in Bonda, where Cde Herbert Chitepo studied from Standard One to Four. The building, one of the few remaining structures from 1910, is deteriorating and in need of urgent conservation.”
“In 2015, NMMZ conducted an assessment of the classroom and confirmed that restoration was feasible. However, due to financial constraints, the rehabilitation was not undertaken, leading to further deterioration.
“The renewed effort will involve a structural engineer’s assessment and the mobilisation of resources to ensure the building’s longevity,” he added.
Dr. Mupira further stressed that: “This classroom is, not just a structure, it is a symbol of Cde Chitepo’s formative years. Restoring it will provide learners with a tangible connection to history, and inspire them to learn more about Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.”
Beyond immediate conservation efforts, the HCT has outlined long-term plans to integrate sustainable development within the Chitepo heritage projects.
The planned developments include infrastructure improvements such as the construction of visitor facilities, including ablution blocks, a curio shop, and a traditional restaurant.
Environmental conservation efforts will also be implemented, including landscaping and the restoration of indigenous vegetation to maintain the historical integrity of the Chitepo homestead.
The potential establishment of a museum at Cde Herbert Chitepo’s former residence in Tanzania is also under consideration, highlighting his influence beyond Zimbabwe.
As Zimbabwe commemorates 50 years since Cde Chitepo’s passing on, and its 45th Independence Anniversary, it is imperative to reflect on the values he stood for.
Cde Herbert Chitepo’s story is, not just a chapter in Zimbabwe’s history, it is a living narrative that continues to shape the nation’s trajectory.
Cde Herbert Chitepo’s legacy lives on, not only in the annals of history, but in the hearts of all who cherish freedom.
