The Sunday Mail
He played a crucial role in dismantling the Renamo rebels in Mozambique as a commander, especially in the Battle of Casabanana which took place around October of 1986.
Last Thursday, Zimbabweans from all walks of life thronged the National Heroes’ Acre to witness the interment of yet another legendary figure in the country’s history, Major-General Eliah Bandama, who died on July 11 aged 56.
As his casket was lowered into the grave, those who worked with him reminisced about a man whose memories they will forever cherish.
Equally, those who only got to know about him after his death wondered who he was to command the national flag to fly at half mast.
But he was hardly an obscure character — far from it.
His liberation war record will show a fighting prowess that turned him into a darling among fellow comrades and a nemesis of the Rhodesians.
Colonel Don Washington Chidawanyika of 1 (Zimbabwe) Commando Regiment counts among soldiers who knew him well.
He first met Maj-Gen Bandama at a transit camp in Mozambique in 1977. Col Chidawanyika was part of a group of 50 freedom fighters who had just returned from training in China.
Maj-Gen Bandama was in a separate group of 50 which was on its way to China for training. The 100 fighters spent only a week together, but that was enough to bring the two men close to each other.
“We discussed operational issues; how we were winning against the Rhodesian forces; tactics the enemy was using. They then left for China while we were deployed to the front,” recalled Colonel Chidawanyika.
“We never met or communicated until after the liberation struggle when he came here to 1 Commando in 1983. One great character I will remember him for was humility. He was a courageous man, very committed, very analytical. He never made decisions without analysis.”
After independence, the two soldiers rekindled their friendship, a bond birthed in turbulent times and destined to grow in an era of peace.
Col Chidawanyika watched his friend being elevated from one post to the next: major, lieutenant-colonel, colonel, brigadier, brigadier-general and then major-general.
The two were reunited on the battle front once more in Mozambique where they helped repel Renamo bandits in that country.
“He played a crucial role in dismantling the Renamo rebels in Mozambique as a commander, especially in the Battle of Casabanana which took place around October of 1986. Major-General Bandama was one of the company commanders responsible for leading a group of 100 men who fought for three consecutive days with Renamo rebels until they (Renamo) retreated.
“The battle was 24/7 during those three days with heavy casualties on the Renamo side. We did not lose even a single soldier: that was Major-General Bandama’s courageous leadership.’’
Casabanana housed Renamo’s headquarters, which Zimbabwe’s military took control of after the vicious battle.
“It was because of his wise leadership that we all came back despite the use of dangerous weapons that included gunships and air strikes. This is the battle that eventually led to talks in Rome that culminated in a ceasefire in 1990.”
Maj-Gen Bandama left 1 Commando for 5 Brigade School of Military Training before returning in 1998 to lead troops into the Democratic Republic of Congo, which was under rebel attack.
His regiment fought in many famous battles.
The Kinshasa battle dislodged Rwandan rebels who had besieged the capital and the battle of Kabalo will also be well-documented in military annals.
The Ikela battle is also prominent. Over 2 000 Zimbabwean troops under the Sadc standby force were trapped in Ikela for 13 months.
Troops under Maj-Gen Bandama’s command opened a passage and rescued their trapped colleagues who had received food during the 13-month siege via air drops.
The soldiers managed to regain control of Ikela Airport where rebels stored their ammunition.
“It took us three weeks to open up the passage to Ikela with the real fighting taking us six hours non-stop as we exchanged gunfire with the rebels who later retreated. Again, there were no casualties on our side,” said Col Chidawanyika.
“The Kabalo battle was meant to stop the rebels from advancing to the town of Kamina. Protecting the airfield was a primary objective to prevent the rebels from taking control and using it to resupply their colleagues.
“All these battles bear testimony to the sacrifices the Major-General was and commitment to achieving his goals. He never retreated or surrendered. These are qualities of a hero, whom we can proudly describe as a character, who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, displayed courage and will for self-sacrifice.’’
The two met in Harare last year with the major-general. “He urged us to remain calm, even under hardships. He demonstrated the fatherliness and humility we have always known him for. In fact, he earned himself a nickname, ‘the Headmaster’, because of his follow-ups on juniors after every assignment. He would want to make sure everything was done perfectly.’’
Captain Checkmore Kubikwa, another colleague, said Maj-Gen Bandama would be remembered for his solid defence of national sovereignty and independence.
“His way of doing things was simple but strict. He would consult even his juniors for ideas. Once a junior’s idea was taken on board, he was always humble enough to mention the contribution of the junior in every mission accomplished,’’ he said.
Capt Reuben Mureyani weighed in, saying: “He was a brave soldier who was kind and approachable. He would even greet juniors first. The one precious moment I spent with him was when we worked under him in safeguarding the Feruka Pipeline against Renamo attacks. “We also conquered Gorongoza under his leadership. These are famous battles that easily befit a hero.’’
Major Collins Kakome described him as a great teacher.
“If one had a problem mastering his teachings, he was eager to assist until one mastered the technique, hence he was called ‘The Headmaster’.”
