Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
FIRST Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa last night paid her condolences to the family of liberation war veteran and Permanent Secretary for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Cosmas Chiringa.
Dr Mnangagwa visited the family residence in Newlands, where she comforted relatives and joined mourners gathered to pay tribute to the life of the senior Government official.
Cde Chiringa died of heart failure on Monday at Westend Hospital. He was born on December 10, 1960.
During the visit, the First Lady spent time with family members and relatives, offering words of comfort and acknowledging the late Cde Chiringa’s long-standing commitment to the nation.
Dr Mnangagwa expressed her support and empathy by joining the bereaved family and mourners in song and dance, led by the Mbare Chimurenga Choir, in tribute to the late Cde Chiringa’s life and legacy.
Delivering her words of comfort to the family, the First Lady, who worked with the late Mr Chiringa on her programmes in Harare and Mashonaland Central Provinces, where they collaborated closely, described the late official as a humble, results-oriented person who was dedicated to his work.
“Death has no respect. Cde Chiringa was a fatherly figure who carried himself with great humility and kindness. He did not discriminate against anyone. I am deeply pained and shocked by his passing. We have been robbed of a valuable person,” she said.
“As a mother, I came here first, as you know, problems that fall on families most affect us, mothers. Yes, my husband, Baba (His Excellency President Dr Mnangagwa), heard about this, and we discussed the issue, but as a mother, I rushed to understand. Of course, I will tell Baba how one of his officers passed on, as narrated by his daughter.”
The First Lady also rallied the family to remain united, prayerful, and supportive of each other.
“As a mother, I feel this loss deeply. I share your pain and sorrow. My heartfelt condolences to you all. Support one another and take care of your mother so that she is not burdened. Stand firm and continue to uphold the family,” she said.
Speaking during the visit, Cde Chiringa’s daughter, Kudakwashe, briefed the First Lady on the final days leading to her father’s passing.
Kudakwashe also expressed gratitude to the First Lady for taking time to visit and stand with them during their time of grief, saying her presence brought comfort during the difficult moment.
She said her father had initially complained of pain in his ear and tooth, but remained active in his duties.
Kudakwashe explained that her father had travelled to Mutare last week for a conference and continued attending to work commitments. However, by Thursday, he had informed colleagues that he was not feeling well and left the conference.
On Friday, he complained of discomfort in his ear and tooth and visited a general practitioner. Kudakwashe said her father was someone who took his health seriously and was diligent with his medication, particularly as he was managing diabetes and high blood pressure.
She said he continued taking his medication on time and was placed on antibiotics after the consultation. By Saturday evening, he still complained about the same problem.
On Sunday morning, the family said he appeared generally fine, although slightly weak. Upon returning home, he indicated that since he had been placed on antibiotics, he would rest and monitor his condition.
Kudakwashe said on Monday that the family took him to the hospital after a doctor advised that he should be seen by a physician. At the time, he had said he was feeling hungry, but his condition began to deteriorate later in the day.
“My sister noticed he was becoming unwell, and we took him to see a physician at around 2.30pm. While he was being attended to, he started becoming weaker, and his breathing became laboured,” she said.
She added that while paperwork for admission was being processed, he was placed on oxygen as his condition worsened.
Harare Provincial Coordinator Mrs Catherine Kampila spoke highly of the late Perm Sec, highlighting that his unwavering dedication, exceptional attitude, and work ethic left an indelible mark on the province.
Mrs Kampila also thanked the First Lady for taking the time to pay her condolences, saying they felt comforted.
Cde Chiringa died later on Monday.
Although he had initially complained of pain in his ear and tooth, a post-mortem later indicated that the cause of death was heart failure.
Also present at the funeral wake were Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Harare Metropolitan Province, Cde Charles Tawengwa, Provincial Development Coordinators, and Permanent Secretaries from other provinces, among other top Government officials.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
Cde Chiringa is survived by his wife, four children, and six grandchildren.
