Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma and Ronald Mpofu recently in Malisikwana, Bulilima
FORMER Bulilima Rural District Council (RDC) councillor Cde Tonny Mlotshwa who was declared a liberation hero by President Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Sunday laid to rest at his rural home in Malisikwana village in Bulilima district.
Cde Mlotshwa died on January 18, at United Bulawayo Hospitals after a long illness.
He was voted into office as councillor for Ward 1 in 2013 and 2018 before he resigned due to illness in 2022.
He was 73.
Chief mourner, Bulilima MP Cde Dingumuzi Phuti said the district has lost a selfless and committed individual who wanted development for the district at large.
“It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you after the untimely departure of a gallant son of the soil Cde Tonny Mlotshwa. It is a sad moment for the Mlotshwa family, the Kandana community and Bulilima District at large. I would like to express my deepest condolences for the loss of Cde Mlotshwa. The Government of Zimbabwe joins you in mourning his untimely death and celebrating his well lived life.
“I am very grateful that the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde E.D Mnangagwa has conferred a Liberation War Hero status to the late Cde Tonny Mlotshwa. Today we gather to honor the life and legacy of a true war and liberation hero, I stand before you as a representative of a grateful nation. Cde Tonny Mlotshwa and others were selfless warriors who fought tirelessly for our freedom and independence. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They faced unimaginable challenges and dangers, yet their dedication to the cause never waved,” said Cde Phuti.
He said through their unwavering courage and unrelenting spirit, Cde Mlotshwa and his fellow sons and daughters of the soil inspired countless others to join the fight for liberation.
“Their contributions paved the way for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today. To the Mlotshwa family, may the love and support of those around you help you, through this difficult time. Cde Tonny Mlotshwa will be deeply missed but the memories of his contribution will live forever” said Cde Phuti.
Mr Meluleki Mhlanga, a former teacher at Nyabane Primary School was directing proceedings with Chaplin Kambarami.
Mr Mhlanga who could be noticed being emotional, chronicled the work that was done by former Cllr Cde Mlotshwa to the society that include pushing agenda of bringing electricity to Nyabane, grading of road to Marula and Nyabane Clinic.
He also told the Minister that as if this was not enough Mrs Mlotshwa sourced donors who have built three cottages and sunk a borehole for Nyabane Clinic to add on to the wishes of her husband.
He pleaded with the Minister to ask relevant leaders not to forget the widow.
Mr Alister Mlotshwa a family member, spelt out the history of Cde Mlotshwa, the humble man who was a darling to the family and community. Cde Mlotshwa was born on the 5th of May 1951 in Malisikwana Village, Tshankwa. He is survived by his wife Sithabile Mlotshwa, 8 children and 10 grandchildren.
Cde Mlotshwa worked for Supersonic for 21 years, then moved and worked at LabelClothing and finally the National Fence. He joined the Youth League from 1967-1974 and played an important role during the ZAPU anti colonial campaign. In 1974 he was elected to the position of Organizing Secretary and during this time he organised youth for Guerrilla training in Zambia till 1980.
In 2011 when he settled home, Cde Mlotshwa was elected District Chairman for Tshankwa District, which he led successfully and won the councillorship for ward 1 Tshankwa in the year 2013. In 2018, he worked so hard to retain the position of Councilor for ward 1 and he successfully did that.
In 2022 he stepped down from being a Councilor due to ill health but he remained a ZANU PF dedicated party member till the time of his death. He contributed immensely towards the development of Tshankwa ward.
Online Reporter