Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has conferred national hero status on Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association (ZEPPDRA) national chairperson Cde Victor Panganayi Kuretu in recognition of his immense contribution to the liberation and development of the nation.
Cde Kuretu, a veteran nationalist and community leader, died on August 7, 2025 at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare after a short illness.
He was 83.
The announcement was made yesterday by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Senator Charles Tavengwa at the Kuretu family home in Mufakose.
“President Mnangagwa, who is the First Secretary of the party (Zanu-PF), has conferred national hero status on Cde Kuretu,” he said.
“He will be interred at the National Heroes Acre at a date to be advised. The President considered the role played by Cde Kuretu during and after the liberation struggle and has seen it fit to accord him this highest honour.”
Cde Kuretu was born on March 3, 1942 in Gweru.
He did his primary and secondary education in Gweru and trained as a teacher in Mutare.
While in Mutare, he assumed the position of Zapu Youth Secretary for Sakubva Branch.
He rose through the ranks to become Deputy Regional Secretary for Manicaland province.
His political activism saw him repeatedly targeted by the Rhodesian regime.
He was first arrested in 1962.
After his release, he was arrested again in 1965 and spent time at Sakubva Police Station.
He was later arrested 1966 and sent to Gonakudzingwa Restriction Camp, only to be released at the end of 1970.
Undeterred, he continued working in the liberation movement until the attainment of independence in 1980.
After independence, Cde Kuretu worked for Dairibord Zimbabwe while remaining active in party structures.
He served as Zapu district chairperson for Mufakose.
Following the 1987 Unity Accord, he held several positions in Zanu-PF, from district to provincial level, eventually becoming a member of the National Consultative Assembly.
At the formation of ZEPPDRA, he served as Deputy Secretary for Information and Publicity before being elected National Chairperson in 2005, a post he held until his death.
Cde Kuretu’s son, Casper, said his father embodied the values of a true leader and family man.
“He embodied the three values that validate a father: being the family’s priest, guardian and, above all, the source of income,” he said.
“We have lost a pillar of support, love and guidance. My dad was a giver; he made sure no one he knew lacked anything, and that became our family’s motto. He was always there for his family and would spend time with us.”
Cde Kuretu is survived by his wife, Ritah, 11 children and 34 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
