adminFarai Kuvirimirwa and Ray Bande Harare Bureau
A FUNERAL parade for the late Zanu-PF Politburo member and national hero Cde Stanley Urayayi Sakupwanya, whose burial is slated for tomorrow at the National Heroes’ Acre, was held yesterday at One Commando Barracks.
Cde Sakupwanya, 75, who died on Tuesday night at Parirenyatwa Hospital, was the Zanu-PF secretary for Welfare for Disabled and Disadvantaged Persons.
Acting Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda, who officiated at the funeral parade, described Cde Sakupwanya as a veteran freedom fighter and a dedicated and loyal cadre.
“Throughout the armed struggle, the late Colonel demonstrated willingness and voluntary compliance with the plans and orders of his superiors,” he said.
“He exhibited unfailing devotion and commitment to the liberation cause, showing willing efforts to carry out the intent of the revolution to the best of his abilities.
“The senior officer participated persistently and consistently in the war of liberation which brought about the independence of Zimbabwe. At ceasefire, the late Sakupwanya was deployed with the advance team to integrate the guerillas into one force to form the Zimbabwe National Army.”
Lt Gen Sibanda said the nation and the Sakupwanya family had been robbed of a loving father, brother and a true revolutionary.
After the funeral parade, Cde Sakupwanya’s body was airlifted to his rural home at Sakupwanya village in Mutasa, Manicaland, where it lay in state, and is expected to be taken to his farm in Rusape today.
The body arrived at the Sakupwanya homestead accompanied by Cde Sakupwanya’s sister Manana and his son Masiiwa.
The party officials who received the body include Central Committee members retired general Mike Nyambuya, Cde Judith Mawire and Manicaland women’s league provincial chairlady Cde Joyline Porusingazi.
Close relatives and villagers were also present.
Rtd Gen Nyambuya said Cde Sakupwanya’s relatives will take over the funeral procession today before his body will be viewed for four hours at his farm ahead of departure for Harare where he will be buried tomorrow.
derick.khumalo