Tonderai Ndira

This is and will forever be the Face of Courage in the current tumultuous political landscape that prevails in Zimbabwe.Tonderai Ndira at age 30, has been compared by many to the icon of the South African struggle against apartheid - Steve Biko.

The man behind Mabvuku - the thunderous, fearful and centre of the Harare revolts, was abducted from his home by a gang of 10 state/ZanuPf security thugs.The thugs were armed with AK 47 rifles and wore masks as they drove a bruised and bleeding Tonde away to their desired "oblivion". His body was found mutilated (eyes gouged, lips and tongue cut off) discarded and abandoned to tell a tale of uncouth, cruel and inhumane torture and death.He was buried at the Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare on the 25th of May 2008.

In his political career, Chief of Mobilisation and Master Strategist, Mr. Ndira played an integral role in the formation of The Movement for Democratic Change in 1999. He was relied upon for his fearless military style mobilisation tactics, which made him the subject of over 40 dubious charges including attempted murder.His security consciousness saw him lead many an advance security team into feared Zanu pf controlled rural territories to successfully pave the way for effective MDC campaigns and events.

Tonde was very much active in the Combined Harare Residents' Association, fighting for service delivery (mainly regular refuse collection and electricity supply) and youth related developmental issues. He played a pivotal role in National Constitutional Assembly activities.This made him one of the best foot soldiers this revolution has produced.

His militant appeal was very evident at demonstrations and other invasions by the state security apparatus. He stood up to their arms and braved physical assault to provide leadership in the resistance of disruption of mass gatherings by the rogue police and other security agents. This made him highly revered in the struggle and equally feared and detested by the regime, no wonder the painful and inhumane execution he suffered.

At the time of his death, Tonde was the MDC Youth Assembly Executive Committee's National Youth Secretary for Defense and Security.


May the perpetrators of this heinous crime that has robbed us of a valued, gallant icon of the Zimbabwean Democratic Revolution never find rest and may they live to face justice.

Brother and Comrade par excellence, Tonderai Ndira Rest In Eternal Peace. Your spirit will be with us forever as your blood continues to water the tree of Freedom and Democracy in Zimbabwe.