At 67, Andrew Ndlovu, a former regional zone commander for the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zpra) and the Zapu national security secretary, has much to reflect on.
Ndlovu’ life has been marked by extraordinary contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, political landscape, and development initiatives.
On his birthday recently, he shared 11 major milestones that shaped his journey from a teenage guerrilla fighter to a respected community leader.
Born on August 19, Ndlovu’s entry into the liberation struggle at the tender age of 17 stands out as a defining moment.
“After undergoing intense guerrilla training in Tanzania, I was sent to the USSR to specialise as a field commander. That was my first achievement,” he said.
His role as a commander in the Kariba region during the late 1970s where he led daring operations against Rhodesian forces, was just the beginning.
By the time of the ceasefire, Ndlovu had established liberated zones across significant parts of Lupane and Binga.
“I was proud to be appointed assembly point chief commandant at the Mike Assembly Point, overseeing security for five battalions at just 24 years of age,” he said.
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However, the political turmoil of the early 1980s forced him to leave Zimbabwe, seeking refuge in Botswana during the Gukurahundi period.
During his time in exile, Ndlovu acquired an accounting degree in Liberia, demonstrating his resilience even under difficult circumstances.
His return to Zimbabwe in 1992, was a momentous reunion with his family, which he counts among his proudest personal achievements.
Ndlovu’s influence extended beyond the battlefield.
In the mid-1990s, he contributed to disarmament efforts in Somalia, cementing his name globally.
At home, he played a pivotal role in advocating for war veterans’ benefits and led demonstrations to address land imbalances.
“We weren’t invading land, as some claimed. We were reclaiming what had been unjustly taken from our ancestors,” he asserted.
His political journey came full circle in 2008 when he helped revive Zapu, highlighting his enduring commitment to the cause.
Although he lost the Nkulumane parliamentary seat in the 2023 elections, his selection as chairman of the Nkulumane Constituency Development Committee spoke volumes about his reputation as a unifying figure.
“Even those who didn’t vote for me recognised my maturity and dedication to our community,” he said.
Ndlovu’s latest chapter is one of faith. In 2022, he embraced Christianity, a decision he regards as his final achievement.
“Choosing God has brought peace and fulfillment to my life. I’m grateful for the journey and for the people who have been part of it," he as.
As Ndlovu celebrates his 67th birthday, his story is a testament to a life lived in service, marked by sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe’s progress.
