Early History
Birth: Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga was born on 2 July 1956 in Wedza District, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe.
Education: Attended St Mary’s Mission School in Hwedza, completing up to O Level (Form Three) before leaving school in 1973 to join the liberation struggle. He later earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Ethics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2015.
Family:
Details about his parents and siblings are not publicly detailed.
Marriages:
Married Jocelyn Jacobsen in 1998; divorced in 2012.
Married Mary Mubaiwa in 2011 while still married to Jacobsen; had two children born in 2012 and 2013; divorce proceedings started in 2019.
Married Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi in June 2022.
Known children include Gamuchirai Constantine Jr., Tendai Dominique, Christian Tawanazororo, and Michael Alexander.
General Constantino Chiwenga received his military training primarily in Mozambique and Tanzania during the liberation war period.
Mozambique: After joining the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) in 1973, Chiwenga underwent guerrilla military training in Mozambique, where ZANLA had established camps with the support of the FRELIMO government. This training included weapons handling, guerrilla tactics, and political education. Mozambique served as the main base for ZANLA operations during the Rhodesian Bush War.
Tanzania: He also received military training in Tanzania, which was another key frontline state supporting liberation movements in Southern Africa. Tanzania hosted training camps and provided military and political support to fighters like Chiwenga.
Post-Independence British Training: After Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, Chiwenga received further military training in the United Kingdom as part of the integration and professionalization of the new Zimbabwe National Army, which combined former guerrillas and ex-Rhodesian forces.
This international training shaped Chiwenga’s military expertise and leadership, enabling his rise through the ranks from a guerrilla fighter to Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Liberation War Ranks and Commanders of General Constantino Chiwenga
1973: Joined the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) as a combatant (equivalent to a private or foot soldier) in the liberation struggle against Rhodesian colonial rule. He adopted the nom de guerre Dominic Chinenge.
Mid-1970s: Rose through the ranks within ZANLA to become a Provincial Commander for Masvingo/Gaza Province. In this role, he was responsible for military operations in that region. His deputy was George Chiweshe, who served as the Provincial Commissar.
1978: Promoted to the ZANLA High Command as Deputy Political Commissar, second-in-command to the legendary liberation war figure Josiah Tungamirai, who was the Political Commissar. This was a senior leadership position within the guerrilla army, combining military and political responsibilities.
Detailed Timeline of Liberation War Credentials and Military Career
1973: While in Form Three at Mount St Mary’s Mission School in Hwedza, Chiwenga, along with classmates including Perrance Shiri, decided to abandon their studies and join the liberation struggle against Rhodesian colonial rule. He joined the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and went for military training in Mozambique. He adopted the nom de guerre Dominic Chinenge.
Mid-1970s: Initially trained at camps such as Chimbichimbi and Mgagao in Mozambique. He participated actively in the guerrilla war, moving with forces between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
1976: Returned to Mozambique to join other liberation forces after the Geneva Conference. He was involved in managing internal discipline during the Vashandi Rebellion (a mutiny among liberation fighters) by deploying peacekeeping forces.
1978: Promoted to the ZANLA High Command as Deputy Political Commissar, serving as deputy to Josiah Tungamirai, a prominent liberation war leader.
4 December 1979: Had a significant meeting with Josiah Tungamirai in Maputo, discussing the final stages of the liberation struggle.
9 December 1979: Commanded a force of approximately 500 men and women and crossed into Zimbabwe, preparing for the transition to independence.
21–28 December 1979: Wounded during the conflict, sustaining three shrapnel wounds and three bullet wounds; was in a coma for several days.
1980: Zimbabwe gains independence; Chiwenga transitions into the newly formed Zimbabwe National Army.
1981: Attested into the Zimbabwe National Army as a brigadier, commanding the First Brigade in Bulawayo.
Early 1980s: Experienced a setback when expelled from the Zimbabwe Staff College after a cheating scandal; attempted suicide but recovered.
1994: Promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army.
2004: After the retirement of General Vitalis Zvinavashe, promoted to Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), overseeing the Army, Air Force, and other security forces.
2003–2017: Served as Chairman of the Joint Operations Command (JOC), coordinating Zimbabwe’s security agencies.
18 December 2017: Announced pending retirement from the military.
19 December 2017: Officially retired from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
28 December 2017: Sworn in as First Vice-President of Zimbabwe, marking his transition to a senior political role.
Timeline of Chiwenga’s 2019 Medical Emergency
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Late January / Early February 2019:
Chiwenga began showing signs of serious illness, including visibly swollen hands and discolored skin patches. He and his wife reportedly exhibited similar symptoms. Chiwenga suggested these symptoms might be due to poisoning, raising concerns about his health. -
2 February 2019:
After attending a meeting in Harare, Chiwenga’s health deteriorated sharply. He initially checked into a hospital in Harare for medical attention. -
Weekend of 2-3 February 2019:
Due to worsening condition, Chiwenga was airlifted to a hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, for emergency medical treatment. -
February 2019:
His condition was described as serious, triggering concern within government circles. Official statements cited treatment for exhaustion and lingering injuries from the liberation war, but no detailed diagnosis was released. -
Public Speculation:
Chiwenga appeared agitated and restless in public appearances prior to the emergency, raising concerns about his mental and physical health. Speculation about poisoning persisted. -
Following Months:
Chiwenga remained under medical care abroad for an extended period. Details about his treatment and recovery were limited.
Controversies
