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Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter
The body of national hero, politician and veteran unionist, Cde Eric Nyakudya Gwanzura who died on Monday, will be flown to Chegutu Stadium today for the public to pay its last respects. Yesterday, family spokesperson Cde Edna Madzongwe, who is Senate President, said the body would be moved from 1 Commando Barracks in Harare in the morning to number 3411 Old Highfield where Cde Gwanzura once lived.
“We will leave Highfield at around 12 noon for Chegutu Stadium before the body is taken back to Mabelreign, Harare, where it will lie in state (at his home) until Sunday morning when it will be taken to Stodart Hall in Mbare,” she said.
Cde Madzongwe said the body would be flown to Chegutu if the weather was suitable, but if not it would be transported by road.
Thereafter, she said, Government would take over proceedings.
Cde Gwanzura’s son Taruona, who arrived from overseas yesterday, said the family was grateful to President Mugabe and Zanu-PF for the decision to confer their father with national hero status.
“We used to visit him when he was in prison at Whawha together with other heroes who include the President and Cde Enos Nkala. It was befitting for him to be given such an honour.
“Our father was a sociable person who could be easily approached on any matter. We hope all his children will emulate him,” he said.
Cde Gwanzura’s cousin Joshua said the national hero was a pillar of strength for the family.
“He taught us how to love. We thank God for his life,” he said.
His son Joseph, who is with the Air Force of Zimbabwe, said Cde Gwanzura instilled the virtue of courage in him.
“I of all his children joined the military, following in my fathers’ footsteps. My father was a brave man and through his words I stand here today.
“Today is the day that I have known that my father was a real man among other men. It was befitting for him to be declared a national hero, given his role in the Lancaster and Geneva conferences. My ambition is to always follow in his footsteps,” he said.
Cde Gwanzura collapsed and died on Sunday at his home in Chegutu.
He is survived by wife Evelyne, 18 children, 65 grandchildren and 18 great-grand children.
He will be buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Sunday.
Online Reporter