Colonel Andrew Kabaira Biography | Background, Death, Wife and Children, Education and Contribution to the Second Chimurenga, Career in the Zimbabwe National Army, Awards and Honours
This is the biography of the late Colonel Andrew Kabaira who was a Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) senior officer and war veteran.
Background
Colonel Andrew Kabaira was born on October 28, 1959, at Mutare General Hospital. He hailed from Manicaland, under Headman Mafararikwa, Chief Marange, Mutare District. Kabaira was the only son in a family of four.
Wife and Children
Kabaira is survived by his wife, Tapiwa Kabaira, and seven children, two sons and five daughters.
Education and Contribution to the Second Chimurenga
Kabaira attended Nyangani Primary School in his home district until 1972, and he completed his Ordinary Level studies at Marange Secondary School in 1976. After his schooling, Kabaira applied for an apprenticeship in motor mechanics, which required him to complete six months of national service in the Rhodesian Army.
During this time, the liberation struggle was ongoing in Bocha, and Kabaira worked as a collaborator, or “mujibha,” with freedom fighters for ten months. His activities eventually drew the attention of the Rhodesian Forces, prompting him to flee to Zimunya near Mutare to avoid capture.
On March 27, 1977, Kabaira crossed into Mozambique via Burma Valley in a banana truck, journeying to Manica town on foot over four days. He arrived at Chimoio temporary Base Camp shortly after the attack on Chimoio Main Camp. Kabaira and his comrades were later transferred to Doeroi Base Camp, where he worked in the Security Department.
In 1978, Kabaira and other fighters were moved to Sofala Camp for initial military training. Before completing his training, he was selected to attend a Platoon Commanders’ Course in Yugoslavia, which he finished on August 29, 1980. Upon returning, he was assigned to Buffalo Range Airport Assembly Point in Chiredzi, and he later attended a Basic Intelligence Course in Yugoslavia, which he completed in July 1981.
Also read: Air Commodore Ellen Chiweshe Biography | Education, Career in the Air Force of Zimbabwe
Career in the Zimbabwe National Army
Kabaira officially joined the Zimbabwe National Army on October 21, 1981, serving as a Platoon Commander in the 1 Mechanised Battalion. Throughout his career, he held several key positions, including:
- Course Officer at the Zimbabwe Military Academy
- Administration Staff Officer (Grade 2) at the Careers Secretariat, Army Headquarters
- Battalion Second in Command at 33 Infantry Battalion
- Brigade Major at Headquarters Mechanised Brigade
- Deputy Defence Attaché to the Russian Federation
- Commanding Officer at the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters Camp
- Commander of Headquarters Harare District
Kabaira rose from the rank of lieutenant to colonel and attended various military courses, including:
- Platoon Commanders Course in Yugoslavia
- Basic Intelligence Course at the School of Military Intelligence
- Junior Staff Course in Nigeria
- Company Commanders Course at the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru
- Joint Command and Staff Course at the Zimbabwe Staff College
- United Nations Peacekeeping Course at the Regional Peace Training College in Harare
- Advanced Legal Aspects of Peacekeeping Operations in the United States of America
Awards and Honors
Colonel Kabaira received several medals for his service, including:
- Liberation Medal, for his role in the independence of Zimbabwe
- Independence Medal, for his contribution to Zimbabwe’s independence
- Ten Years’ Service Medal, for his contributions to the Zimbabwe National Army’s formation
- Long and Exemplary Service Medal, for 15 years of distinguished service
- Mozambique Campaign Medal, for his role in restoring peace in Mozambique
- Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign Medal, for his efforts in Operation Sovereign Legitimacy
- Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit Award, for his distinguished service to Zimbabwe and humanity
Death
Colonel Andrew Kabaira passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at ZNA 2 Referral Hospital Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare after a short illness. He was 64 years old.
