Tshinga Dube Biography | Death | Background | Second Chimurenga | Trivia | Political Career | Career as a Soldier
This is the biography of Tshinga Judge Dube a late Zimbabwean politician, a retired colonel in the Zimbabwe National Army and a former member of parliament for Makokoba.
Background
Dube was born on July 3, 1941, in Fort Usher, Matobo District, Matabeleland South. He is survived by his wife, Nomathemba Wendy Dube, along with several children and grandchildren.
Second Chimurenga
Dube became politically active at a young age, joining the liberation movement in the 1960s. He trained as a guerrilla fighter in the Soviet Union and China in 1972, emerging as a prominent figure in the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) during the liberation struggle.
He advanced through the ranks and became a key member of the arms procurement department for Zipra. Dube played a crucial role in ensuring that freedom fighters were well-equipped by facilitating arms shipments from countries that supported Zimbabwe’s fight against colonialism. His strategic planning and leadership were vital in maintaining the military strength of the liberation forces.
Known by the pseudonym Cde Embassy, Dube was among the first guerrillas deployed to the front lines, operating in Tsholotsho District, Matabeleland North. During the ceasefire period, he served on the committee responsible for integration, demobilization, and the formation of the Zimbabwe National Army, representing Zipra alongside members from other factions.
Career as a Soldier
Dube commanded the signals department in the Zimbabwe National Army and was appointed a full colonel. After ten years of service, he transferred to the Defence Headquarters as Deputy Secretary in charge of Research and Development. Following approximately three years in that role, he became the chief executive of the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI), where he worked for 23 years before transitioning to a political career.
Political Career
Dube was a member of ZANU-PF and was appointed Minister of Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, and Former Political Detainees in March 2016, after Chris Mutsvangwa was dismissed. Prior to this, he served as Deputy Minister in the same ministry since September 2015. Dube was removed from this position in October 2017 but continued to serve as the Parliamentary Portfolio Chairman on Defence, Home Affairs, and Security Services.
Health Issues
In May 2017, Dube was admitted to a private medical institution due to health complications. Reports circulated on social media suggesting he had collapsed at his offices; however, the secretary for the ministry, Brigadier General Walter Asher Tapfumaneyi, clarified that Dube had not collapsed but was admitted for a routine check-up. A local newspaper reported that Dube was suffering from a kidney ailment and had visited a private hospital for dialysis.
Also read: July Moyo Biography: Early Life | Education | Political Career | Personal Life
Death
Tshinga Dube passed away on October 3, 2023, at 7:34 PM at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo due to kidney failure. His son, Vusa, noted that Dube had been unwell for ten years. Dube was declared a national hero and buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on 9 October 2024.
Trivia
Dube once brought the late Michael Jackson to Zimbabwe. He also organised performances by South African musicians Freddie Gwala and Platform One in 2013, ahead of the elections. In July 2015, Dube struggled to read his maiden speech in parliament, leading to some opposition members mocking him for speaking in a low voice. Mabvuku/Tafara MP James Maridadi even took a picture of Dube during this moment. Dube was later instructed to submit his speech to Hansard, the parliamentary record.
He was honoured with the Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit on August 14, 2012, by President Mugabe. Additionally, he authored a memoir titled “Quiet Flows the Zambezi.”