15th January 2024
Wezhira Munya
[See attached video with hon. Chiondengwa speaking at Mr Damba’s funeral]
On the 13th of January 2024, an atmosphere of sorrow enveloped Chivi North in Zimbabwe as the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by President Nelson Chamisa, mourned the passing of Mr. Henry Damba. Damba, a revered opposition politician and a dedicated member of the CCC, had fearlessly fought against the ruling party Zanu PF for more than 25 years, said former MDC aspiring member of parliament in 2000, current CCC member and businessperson Mr Bernard “Ben” Chiondengwa.
Masvingo President Chamisa’s CCC members, including hon. Oliver Chirume, advocate Mavhaire, advocate Makausi, hon. Bonface Mudzingwa, hon. Bernard Chiondengwa, and other members of the CCC, generously covered the expenses for Damba’s chemotherapy, hospital bills (including a ten-day stay at a private hospital), Nyaradzo policy, and food for the late Mr. Damba, amounting to a total cost exceeding $5,378 USD.
Furthermore, in 2023, the aspiring member of parliament for CCC Chivi North Mr Emmanuel Chidaushe contributed two goats as a meat donation to be consumed at the funeral.
On the 15th of January, CCC leaders from both the national level and Masvingo province gathered to pay their respects and bid farewell to their fallen comrade. The burial took place at Damba’s rural home in Chivi North, Ward 2. Prominent CCC figures in attendance included national youth taskforce organizer and Harare councillor Womberaiishe Nhende, Mr Henry Chivhanga, Mr Kingsley Sibanda, former Chivi North MDC aspiring member of parliament Bernard Chiondengwa, Masvingo Provincial Administrator Mr. Mandi Matutu, Masvingo Deputy Mayor Daniel Mberikunashe, Former Masvingo Mayor Shantel Chiwara, Senator Maggie Chakabuda, Masvingo urban member of parliament Honourable Martin Mureri, Honourable Matara, former MDC Members of Parliament Jeffreyson Chitando, Honourable Oliver Chirume, Honourable Chiminya, hon. Moses Mavhaire, Masvingo urban councillors Esther Zishiri, Clr Wilstaf Sitemere, Clr Maxwell Madhuna, Clr Sabina Chikwangwani, Clr Bernard Muchokwa, advocate Mafa, advocate Derrick Mafa, and advocate Rodrick Makausi.
Damba’s burial was also attended by a diverse gathering, including members of the Zanu PF party such as MasvingoWest ward 2 Councillor Benson Hwata , the business community, and Chivi North local headmen.
In his tribute a Harare based [attended Damba’s funeral] CCC national youth taskforce organizer and councillor Womberaiishe Nhende expressed the profound grief felt by President Chamisa and the entire CCC family. He acknowledged Damba’s unwavering dedication and hard work, both during his time with the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) under President Tsvangirai and within the CCC under President Chamisa’s capable leadership.
Henry Damba, aged 54, passed away on the 12th of January at Dr. Madhombiro’s surgery in Masvingo town. His body had been kept at the Nyaradzo parlor in Masvingo town before the funeral proceedings began, said his best friend former MDC Gutu Central member of parliament honourable Oliver Chirume.
A church service was held in honor of the deceased on the 14th of January at 3 pm at the Nyaradzo Parlor’s hall, a day before the burial. Over a thousand people, including family, friends, neighbors, church members, and CCC members, attended the service to pay their respects.
Following the church service, Damba’s body was transported to his house in Masvingo West, Ward 2, accompanied by a convoy of nearly a hundred cars, a testament to the impact Damba had made on the lives of many.
At his house, a second church service was conducted by a Roman Catholic priest. Then, at around 5 pm, Damba’s body was taken to his family homestead in Chivi North, Mutsauri Village, Ward 2, where he would be laid to rest.
In addition to his political involvement, Henry Damba was a businessman, running a supermarket and a bottle store at the Mhandamabwe Business Center. He also worked as a security personnel for various companies, said his close ally Mr Penememe.
Damba’s political journey began at the age of 27 when he joined the opposition movement as a member of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) in Chivi North in 1996. The NCA, led by Professor Lovemore Madhuku, focused on constitutional issues and campaigned against the ruling Zanu-PF party under Robert Mugabe, said Hon. Chitando.
In 1999, Damba participated in the launch of the MDC at Rufaro Stadium, marking a new era in Zimbabwean politics.
Mr Mapiye Chipare narrated that, in early, 2000, Damba played a significant role as one of the early members of the Chivi district of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Damba is recognized as one of the first Chivi members to stand MDC in Chivi. During this time, a first MDC meeting was organized in Chivi North, which brought together prominent figures such as MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai, Chairperson Isaac Matongo, Professor Welshman Ncube, and Gibson Sibanda. The meeting took place at Vaspor Restaurant, located in the Mhandamabwe business center. Numerous MDC Chivi members attended this crucial gathering, including individuals like Penemene, Paul Chigume, Mapiye Chipare, Piniel Huruwe, Henry Zura, Jimmy Penemene, Zivanai Denga, Maronga, Maregere Innocent, Clara Chipare, Magreth Mtisi, Jenipher Tongogara, Noah Mtisi, Nolan Mudamburi, Bonface Matuvhunye, Honorable Benard Chiondegwa, Last Makore, and James Makore. It was during this meeting that Honorable Chiondegwa was elected as the MDC’s representative for the Chivi North constituency in the 2000 parliamentary elections. Additionally, Nolan Mudamburi was elected as the Chivi district chairperson, while Noah Mtisi assumed the role of deputy chairperson for the district. The late, Damba, was elected as the youth secretary under the leadership of Chairperson Penemene. Subsequently, Damba progressed to become a member of the MDC Masvingo youth Provincial committee.
In 2005, a distressing incident occurred following an NCA (National Constitutional Assembly) demonstration involving several MDC and NCA members, including the late Damba, hon. Jeffreyson Chitando, William Mugunzva, and Olivia Tobaiwa. After the demonstration, they were arrested by the police. Unfortunately, the treatment they received was far from humane. Reports indicate that they were subjected to physical assault, resulting in injuries. To make matters worse, they were dumped in a bush in Kabhora, located in Mashonaland East, an area known for its lion population. After enduring this traumatic experience, the members were eventually rescued and taken to Harare for medical treatment. It was during this time that it was discovered that Hon. Chitando had suffered a broken hand as a result of the incident.
Over the years, Damba remained actively involved in the MDC and later joined the CCC when it was formed in 2022. He worked closely with CCC leaders such as Amos Chibaya, Farai Chinobva, and Mandi Matutu, contributing his strategic thinking and unwavering dedication to the party’s success, said CCC Masvingo urban member of parliament advocate Martin Mureri.
Damba’s impact extended beyond the political arena. He was known for his fearlessness and determination. During the 2023 harmonized elections, he engaged in clashes with the Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ), a group affiliated with the ruling party, Zanu-PF, resulting in the destruction of their tables near polling stations in Chivi North, said CCC senator Maggie Chakabuda
Throughout his political journey, Damba was a consistent presence at rallies held by both President Tsvangirai and President Chamisa. His dedication and unwavering support for the opposition cause were admired by his comrades and friends, said CCC member of parliament honourable Matara.
As the sun set over the village of Chivi North, CCC leadersalong with family, friends, and fellow party members, bid their final farewell to Henry Damba. His legacy as a political strategist, a fearless cadre, and an intelligent man will live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched. The CCC mourned the loss of their beloved comrade but vowed to carry on the fight for a better Zimbabwe, inspired by Damba’s unwavering commitment to the cause of change.
