admin
Forces commander General Constantine Chiwenga yesterday visited the Shamu family in Harare to pay their condolences following the death of Ambuya Mary Shamu last week.
Ambuya Shamu was mother to Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu.
Minister Mnangagwa who was on national duty in Mozambique when Ambuya Shamu died said the late Ambuya Shamu was a unifier.
He said Ambuya Shamu was not only mother to Minister Shamu but to many in Zanu-PF.
“Ambuya Shamu was a mother to all of us because she was a pillar of strength. If an elderly person like Ambuya Shamu dies, you feel the gap that she left because when she is around we always turn to her for advice and assistance,” he said.
Minister Mnangagwa said it was devastating to lose a mother despite one’s age.
“Even if you are a married person, it is difficult to come to terms with the death of your mother. All of a sudden you will become an orphan.
“If your mother is around you can always direct some of your problems to her for further guidance,” he said.
General Chiwenga who was also in Sudan at the time of Ambuya Shamu’s death said her death was a huge loss.
“At the age of 90, God had looked after her. But again it is the same time when we need such people for their wisdom and words of advice,” he said.
Gen Chiwenga said people like Ambuya Shamu would have the history of the family and everyone would be looking to them.
He described Ambuya Shamu as a fountain of knowledge.
Minister Shamu hailed Minister Mnangagwa and Gen Chiwenga for standing by him during his time of bereavement.
He said he was already witnessing some of the things taught by her mother .
“Amai was a unifier and she did not want to see people who discriminate others and say this one is not my relative.
“This is what we do as Zanu-PF under the leadership of President Mugabe. What you have done here (Minister Mnangagwa and Gen Chiwenga) shows that you really love us. To me it shows that Amai was a great unifier,’’ he said.
Minister Shamu’s wife Constance said Ambuya Shamu was a devout Christian who always encouraged people to turn to God during difficult times.
Minister Mnangagwa and General Chiwenga later signed a book of condolences at Minister Shamu’s house.
Meanwhile, condolences also continued to pour in for the Shamu family.
United States of America Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton said: “I understand that Gogo Mary leaves a legacy of endurance and strength. She guided and mentored her children through challenging times in the history of Zimbabwe including during the struggle forZimbabwe’s independence.”
Algerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Lazhar Soualem said: “I and the staff of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Algeria convey our heartfelt condolences, sympathy and deep compassion to you Honourable Minister and your family at this sad occasion.”
Mr Hashen Dajani who is the Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe said: “I would like to express our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to you, your family, friends and relatives for the sad passing away of your mother Ambuya Mary Shamu.”
Nestle Zimbabwe managing director Mr Kumbirai Katsande also sent a message of condolence to the Shamu family.
“Our prayers are with you. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
Online Reporter