Peter Chanetsa

Cde Peter Chanetsa (died 2017) is a Zimbabwean national hero who was the Governor of Mashonaland West Province from 1996 to 2003. He was the first black Government Chief of Protocol in 1980 after the country secured independence. Chanetsa was one of the Zimbabwean nationalists who fought for Zimbabwe independence from Tanzania. He participated in the Lancaster House Conference for the negotiations with the Rhodesian government for the formal independence of Zimbabwe. Chanetsa was a member of Hurungwe parliament. He belonged to Zanu-PF  political party and was a member of its Central Committee  until his death in 2017.[1][2]

Political career

Chanetsa rose to national political prominence when he became the first black Government Chief of Protocol in 1980. After leaving this position he became the Governor[3] of Mashonaland West province where he led first major lands reform in Zimbabwean history. His land reform program saw a redistribution of vast lands held by white minority of about 4,000 to over 400,000 black Zimbabweans farmers. Chanetsa lands reform in Mashonaland West province was significant as the area is considered to be a “key national constituency” for its agricultural importance to the nation. Chanetsa lands reform encountered stiff opposition in the Banket area from powerful white minority farmers who had made fortunes from tobacco but were unwilling to give up the lands.[4]

Honour

When Chanetsa was nominated for National Hero Honour,[5][6] consultations within Politburo was only a formality as he was unanimously adopted to be conferred national hero status in recognition of his service to the nation.

Death

Chanesta died of heart failure in June 2017 at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.[2][7] Following his death, the family spokesman commented that Chanetsa had been ill for a long time and was often in and out of hospital for treatment. He was buried at the Heroes’ Acre.

References
  1. "Veteran politician Peter Chanetsa to be buried at National Heroes Acre". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 2020-08-17.
  2. News, The Sunday. "Hero who tamed white farmers laid to rest". The Sunday News. Retrieved 2020-08-17.
  3. "Former governor and veteran nationalist Peter Chanetsa dies". Nehanda Radio. 2017-01-02. Retrieved 2020-08-17.
  4. "Rest in peace Cde Chanetsa! …pioneer of land reform | Celebrating Being Zimbabwean". Retrieved 2020-08-17.
  5. Herald, The. "Peter Chanetsa national hero". The Herald. Retrieved 2020-08-17.
  6. "Peter Chanetsa national hero". Nehanda Radio. 2017-01-06. Retrieved 2020-08-17.
  7. Herald, The. "Veteran nationalist Peter Chanetsa dies". The Herald. Retrieved 2020-08-17.
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