By Patience Gondo
THE illustrious life of liberation war heroine and cultural icon Rumbidzai Libombo who died on February 4, was on Sunday February 8, celebrated as she was laid to rest at Makakavhule District Heroes Acre.
Grief, pride and gratitude blended as government officials, war veterans and ordinary residents gathered to bid farewell to a woman many described as the soul of TshiVenda culture in Beitbridge.
Speaking at the burial, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said Government was deeply pained by the loss of a selfless cadre who devoted her life to the liberation struggle and post independence national development.
“As Government, we are saddened by the loss of this illustrious daughter of the soil. We feel the same pain with the Libombo family, the war veterans fraternity and Zanu PF,”
“Her dedication to the struggle and to nation building was exceptional and must never be forgotten,” Nguluvhe said.
He said citizens should safeguard the legacy left behind by the late heroine and to uphold national values as Zimbabwe works towards Vision 2030, adding that unity and hard work were key to development.
Libombo, born on November 16 1961, was conferred Liberation War Heroine status by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa in recognition of her contribution during and after the liberation struggle.
During the war, she operated in Mberengwa District at Kwasarai Base 3 Chavengwa where she cooked for comrades and worked alongside several senior cadres (Chimbwido).
After independence she joined the Zanu PF Youth League in 1980 and the National Youth Service in 1981, rising through party structures to become a Vhembe district leader and at the time of her death, district secretary for business and liaison.
She never wavered in her support for the party and the ideals of the liberation struggle.
Beyond politics, Libombo was widely known as a multi-skilled cultural practitioner a craftswoman, instructor and actress who specialised in Tshivenda, IsiNdebele and Zulu traditional attire and beadwork.
She played a key role in the popular television drama Uhangwela and remained active in the arts and culture sector until her death on 4 February 2026.
Nguluvhe also used the occasion to encourage young people from Mat South to acquire technical skills, saying Libombo’s life showed that skills could empower communities and sustain livelihoods.
Addressing the late Libombo’s children Nguluvhe said:
“Your mother did her part. It is now your responsibility to carry forward the knowledge and skills she taught you.”
As the coffin was lowered into the grave, Mavis Sibanda a resident said Beitbridge had lost more than a heroine it had lost a unifier, a teacher and a custodian of culture whose influence would endure long after her burial.