The Second Chimurenga was a liberation struggle fought by the people of Zimbabwe to reclaim their independence and freedom from colonial rule. During this time, many women rose to the forefront and played a crucial role in the fight for independence. Here are some of the most notable national heroines of the Second Chimurenga:




Sally Mugabe – Sally Mugabe was a political activist, wife of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and a national heroine. She played a significant role in the liberation struggle and was instrumental in the formation of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) women’s league.

Veronica Mkandla – Veronica was a prominent political activist and leader of the women’s league in ZANU. She was known for her courage and leadership in mobilizing women to participate in the liberation struggle.

Heritte Mafuka – Heritte was a fearless political activist who played a significant role in the formation of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) women’s detachment. She was also part of the first group of female fighters to be trained for combat in the liberation struggle.




These women, and many others, made immense sacrifices and took great risks in their efforts to secure independence for Zimbabwe. Their bravery and dedication continue to inspire future generations and serve as a reminder of the crucial role that women played in the liberation struggle.