First family consoles Chief Gobo family

FIRST Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa on behalf of the first family, has sent a condolence message to the Gobo family following the passing on of Chief Gobo who was born Clever Machona Musindo.

Chief Gobo died last week Monday at Gweru Provincial Hospital after a short illness aged 65 and was buried at his homestead in Silobela on Saturday.

Chief mourner at the burial, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Owen Ncube, delivered the condolence message from the first family.

“As we all know President Mnangagwa is in China on a State visit, but I spoke to Amai Mnangagwa yesterday in Gweru (during the nhanga/gota programme) and she asked me to deliver her condolence message on behalf of the first family.

“Their thoughts and prayers are with the family, the community, the province and the entire nation on this occasion,” said Minister Ncube.

He described the late Chief Gobo as a unifier, who always sought to bring people under his area of jurisdiction together.

“The Midlands Province will long remember the dedicated development practitioner and custodian of our culture, traditions, and customs.

“On behalf of the Midlands Province and, indeed, on my own behalf, allow me to express condolences to the Gobo family and friends on the untimely departure of their beloved father, leader, and mentor.

“His departure is not only a loss to his family but a profound loss to the bereaved Musindo family and Gobo community at large,” said Cde Ncube.

He said Chief Gobo dedicated his life to the service of his people, embracing the spirit of leadership, wisdom, and compassion.

“Today, we do not mourn the loss of our distinguished leader and father, but we celebrate his life and pro-people-centric programmes and projects under the New Dispensation.

“As we gather to honour the life and legacy of Chief Gobo, it is important to reflect on the critical role played by our traditional leaders in the governance architecture of our communities in Zimbabwe,” said Cde Ncube.

He said the late Chief Gobo also took part in the war of liberation as a war collaborator and continued to work closely with the revolutionary Zanu-PF party until the time of his death.

“The Government, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa remains committed to enhancing the welfare of our esteemed traditional leadership. We will continue to ensure that the needs of our chiefs are met, including the provision of portable water at Chiefs’ homesteads, electricity, and access roads. These developments are a fulfilment of the objectives of the war of liberation,” said Minister Ncube.

Midlands Provincial Chiefs Council chairperson, Chief Zama Ngungumbane, urged communities to emulate the legacy of Chief Gobo who served for 21 years and was one of the senior traditional leaders in the province who was always available for advice.

“He was a pillar of strength, one we would run to whenever we needed advice. It’s important also to note that during his entire career, he was never summoned to the disciplinary hearing for misconduct. That is how astute he was. As Midlands Province, we will definitely feel the void left by Chief Gobo, and it’s not easy to fill,” he said.

Chief Ngungumbane said the family will appoint an acting chief who will act for two years, during which the late chief will be mourned, before a substantive chief is appointed.

Chief Gobo was born on 29 December 1959 in Mvuma. He was appointed as Chief on the 27th of February 2003 and installed on 29 October 2003 following the death of the late Chief Gobo-Makore in 1997.

He is survived by his wife, five children and 10 grandchildren.