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Victor Maphosa Mashonaland East Bureau
Thousands of people from Mudzi District yesterday thronged the Mukota homestead to pay their last respects to Chief Mukota, who was buried in his village, Mukota B Ward in Mudzi.
Chief Mukota, born Newton Kachepa, succumbed to injuries he sustained from an accident that occurred at the 23km peg along the Marondera-Musami road last week. He was 63.
Chief Mukota was installed as substantive Chief on August 8, this year and died three months later on November 8.
In a speech read on his behalf by director traditional leaders, Local Government and Public Works Minister Winston Chitando described the late Chief Mukota as a development-oriented person as evidenced by his initiatives in his area.
“He spearheaded the construction and rehabilitation of a classroom block at Mukota Secondary School, Chori Clinic and various other programmes such as roads rehabilitation and maintenance.
“To the Mukota family, kindly take note that the impact of the departure of Newton Kachepa is not going to be felt by close relatives alone, but by the nation at large as the gap left will never get a befitting replacement.”
Minister Chitando said many people across the province and district share the Mukota family’s grief, adding that it was his hope that they shall continue to be guided by the Chief’s principles of hard work, unity, peace and development.
Government recognises the fundamental role of chiefs in community development and the institution has been given constitutional mandate to promote and uphold the cultural values of communities and in particular, promote sound family values, said Minister Chitando.
ZANU PF legislator for Maramba Pfungwe, Cde Tichaona Karumazondo who represented the ruling party’s Mashonaland East provincial Chairman Cde Daniel Garwe, said the party was saddened by the death of Chief Mukota, who was described by many as a dedicated and selfless cadre.
“He was one of the senior legislators representing the ruling party before he became a chief. We worked well with him. As a party, we have lost one of our own and we are here to join his family in mourning,” said Cde Karumazondo.
Ms Nyarai Kachepa, sister to Chief Mukota, said the gap left by his brother will be felt forever.
“He was the bread winner. He cared for us as a family and made sure we remained united.
“We are in pain. This loss is hurting and we will always feel the gap he has left. Rest in peace my brother,” she said.
Chief Mukota was born on February 10, 1960. From 2004 to 2008, he was a ZANU PF Councillor for Ward 2 in Mudzi. He was then elected Member of Parliament for Mudzi North Constituency from 2008 up to 2023.
He was also a ZANU PF Central Committee member.
He leaves behind three wives, 15 children and 20 grandchildren.
Online Reporter