LATEST: Dr Lawton Hikwa given emotional send off

Lungile Tshuma, Online Reporter
HUNDREDS of people attended an emotionally charged memorial service for the late National University of Science and Technology (NUST) lecturer, Dr Lawton Hikwa (50), which was held at a local church in the city today.

Speakers urged people to emulate the life of the late Librarian of championing rural development.

Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Minister Simon Khaya Moyo who was representing the government said the late Hikwa aimed to do good all the time as he was aware that his family- Hikwa family- was well respected.

Cde Moyo said: “He was great man, not because of anything but because of deeds and his goodness to humanity. Dr Hikwa was an intellectual with great humility. He was a man of prayer hence we should emulate him and be prayerful. People like you Lawton, never die but they depart top greater responsibility.”

Mr Samuel Chabikwa, who recently succeeded the late Dr Hikwa as the Dean of Faculty of Communication and Information Science, described the late as helper and ever smiling.

“He will be missed. He was always prepared to give you a hand. Having him around, he will make sure that you feel better as he was ever smiling. Dr Hikwa left a legacy in the faculty which will take years to be accomplished. Lawton, as I always call him, you surely going to be missed,” said Mr Chabikwa.

Speaking on behalf of nieces and nephews, the former Deputy Prime Minister Ms Thokozani Khupe said they lost a pillar of the family who encouraged people to be educated. She said through Hikwa, she had to enroll for a PhD degree which she is about to finish.

“We are here to celebrate the life of Dr Hikwa,” said Ms Khupe, adding: “He was a family gem. He always encouraged us to be academic. I listened to his call and I am about to finish my PhD. He fought a good fight and ran a good race. He was one person who wanted to see people going to school.”

Also in attendance were Senator Angeline Masuku and Deputy Minister of War Veterans, War Collaborators and Detainees Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube who is also the Member of Parliament for Makokoba Constituency. Zimbabwe Media Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr Tafataona Mahoso and Commissioner Chris Mhike were also present.

Dr Hikwa passed away in Bulawayo on Sunday, hours after admission to Mater Dei Hospital following respiratory complications will be cremated as his wish.

He is survived by his wife and three daughters.