Times Of Swaziland: EX-ARMY CHIEF BRIGADIER  FONONO DUBE DIES AT 89

EX-ARMY CHIEF BRIGADIER  FONONO DUBE DIES AT 89
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BY SITHEMBILE HLATSHWAYO AND NTOMBI MHLONGO on 28/11/2017 04:53:00


MBABANE – Former Army Commander Brigadier Fonono Dube, who had just turned 89
years last month, died peacefully at his home in Zombodze, at around 6am.
This was confirmed by Phesheya Dube, who was speaking on behalf of the family.
Phesheya said Dube died on Saturday morning while surrounded by his family.
He said it was difficult to comment further about the late Fonono who was
serving Their Majesties, as they were yet to report the matter. Dube was known
to have an iron fist during his era as the Army Commander.  The late Dube who
was once a Head teacher at Zombodze High School around 1964, was chosen by King
Sobhuza II to lead the army after identifying some vital skills that he
possessed.
Samuel Dube, his son, said his father, being young, educated and a cultured
person, was recognised by the King. According to Samuel, in the past, it was
very rare to find an educated person, participating in cultural issues. He said
at that time, teachers were highly recognised in the country and his late
father, being a member of the regiment, was chosen to undergo training in Kenya
by King Sobhuza II and upon return, placed him as army commander.
“King Sobhuza II identified a unique ability in my father (Fonono) whom he
thought could advance the army towards becoming modernised alongside Prince
Maphevu,” Samuel said.
After retiring from the army he served in various emabandla; including the
Border Restoration Committee.
While serving there, Dube once called a press briefing where he revealed
sensitive information regarding land issues between Swaziland and South Africa.