Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
MANICALAND Provincial Chiefs Council chairman Senator Chief Lovemore Enias Mapungwana, who passed away last week in Bulawayo, was laid to rest on Wednesday in Chipinge East Constituency. He was 57.
The funeral was presided over by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who described Chief Mapungwana as development-oriented and patriotic despite his humble demeanour.
“The nation is saddened to lose a traditional leader of Chief Mapungwana’s calibre. Although he hailed from Chipinge, Chief Mapungwana’s work transcended the country as he held a position in the Chiefs Council and was also a member of the Senate. He was a fountain of knowledge whom the Government looked to for advice about community development. He was a fountain of peace, who co-existed well with other traditional leaders and his community. Let us emulate his positive traits,” said Minister Garwe.
The chairman of the National Chiefs Council, Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, described the late Chief Mapungwana as a humble and down-to-earth leader who prioritised the welfare of his community.
“Chief Mapungwana was a man of very few words but effective action. He rarely spoke, but whenever he did, his contributions were full of wisdom and maturity. We will dearly miss him. He died at a time when he was pushing for traditional boundary issues to be resolved,” said Chief Khumalo.
Family representative, Mr Winston Mapungwana, described Chief Mapungwana as a unifier who used his position to advance cohesion in the family, and his demise had left a huge gap in the clan.
“To us, he was a brother and father figure. He never changed who he was when he took over the chieftainship. He remained humble, accessible and a team player. He was approachable for advice as a brother. It is a tough time for the family,” he said.
The funeral was attended by traditional leaders from across the country, politicians and community members.
Chief Mapungwana is survived by two wives, five children and four grandchildren.
