admin
Mukudzei Chingwere in HWEDZA
VICE President Dr Constantino Chiwenga yesterday laid to rest his centenarian aunt, Gogo Martha Chikata, at his rural home in Hwedza.
Gogo Chikata died last Sunday at the age of 102 with the Vice President saying her funeral wake was not exactly a mourning period, but a celebration of a life well lived.
Several senior Government officials were in Hwedza to commiserate with VP Chiwenga and his family, among them Senate president and Zanu PF Women’s League chair Mabel Chinomona and deputy Senate president Lieutenant-General (Retired) Mike Nyambuya.
Also present were Ministers – Cdes Felix Mhona, Tino Machakaire, Tatenda Mavetera, Aplonia Munzverengwi – and several National Assembly members.
Speakers said Gogo Chikata led an exemplary life anchored on her strong faith in the word of God and was a selfless patriot whose homestead was used during the liberation struggle as a sanctuary for freedom fighters and war collaborators.
Several freedom fighters, and war collaborators some of whom went on to occupy senior Government positions in independent Zimbabwe spoke glowingly of the help they received from Gogo Chikata during the liberation struggle.
VP Chiwenga thanked everyone who joined his family during the funeral and chronicled the family history and their participation in the liberation struggle.
“Here we are not mourning the death of my aunt, we are celebrating a life well lived,” he said.
“I say a life well lived because she never deviated from the church, in 2022 we celebrated her 100th birthday at church, also I am happy that the church is well represented here.
“My aunt also participated in the liberation struggle, her homestead was a well-known sanctuary for freedom fighters. Lieutenant-General (Rtd) Nyambuya can testify that he was one of those who operated in this area.
“She had political orientation from her father, my grandfather Sekuru Guvheya Nyikadzino Chiwenga who was a hero in his own right. He was in and out of prison because he challenged the imperialist government, and in 1965 he died soon after his release from Gonakudzingwa detention”.
VP Chiwenga said Hwedza was a hotbed of anti-colonial activity.
“Here in Hwedza, the war of liberation was prosecuted fiercely and I also want to thank the Roman Catholic Church for taking care of comrades when they were fighting here.
“I am happy that my aunt contributed to the liberation struggle and even after independence she continued supporting Zanu PF programmes, she never sold out and was still an active member of the church as well,” he said.
Gogo Chikata was one of two surviving siblings of VP Chiwenga’s father and her death leaves Sekuru Masoja Chiwenga (96) as the only surviving sibling.
Cde Chinomona thanked Zanu PF and Government officials who came to the funeral saying the huge number of people who attended is a reflection of how good a team player Vice President Chiwenga is.
“What makes me happy is that this funeral has been supported by a lot of people, your presence here to commiserate with our Vice President makes us happier.
“I want to thank you all who have come to support our Vice President, the presence of the church also helps the country to remain united even when we face challenges,” said Cde Chinomona.
Online Reporter