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Herald Reporter
Secretary in charge of the District Development Fund (DDF) in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr James Kenneth Jonga who died on Thursday has been described as a humble patriotic and dedicated cadre who worked hard to uplift livelihoods of people living in rural areas.
Mr Jonga died on Thursday after a short illness and he will be buried on Wednesday morning at his rural home in Mhondoro.
He was 70.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday visited the Jonga family at their Borrowdale home to pay condolences.
She was accompanied by Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa and senior DDF officials.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the death of Mr Jonga had left a huge gap that would be difficult to fill.
“Jonga had become a household name throughout the country because of his work in rural development. Mr Jonga made sure people had access to social amenities water and roads.
“Mr Jonga helped resettled farmers by sinking boreholes and construction of roads and this improved their livelihoods. A number of projects are being run in rural areas by the DDF even during the Covid-19 period.
“Mr Jonga was a blessing to the nation and worked towards the fulfilment of Vision 2030. I hope many people will emulate him,” she said.
Ambassador Mutsvangwa said Mr Jonga was his close uncle whom he had a strong relationship with since their days at Kutama Boys High school.
He said Mr Jonga provided key services to the people, roads and water.
“We fought in the liberation struggle so that people could have decent lives and this is what Mr Jonga was now fulfilling. Jonga organised a strong DDF team geared on service delivery he made sure funds were utilised for the intended purpose.
“As Mashonaland West, we have lost a dedicated cadre,” he said.
DDF director finance and administration, Mr Wilfred Kachitsa pledged continuing with the good work that Mr Jonga was spearheading in the country.
“He was a professional and we need to carry forward his legacy, he set a good example and we are going to follow his footsteps,” said Mr Kachitsa.
Family spokesman, Mr Cuthbert Chakanetsa said the family had a good man who was exemplary to the young ones.
“We will follow his footsteps. He was humble and loving. He worked for both the family and the nation,” he said.
Mr Jonga is survived by wife Miriam and five children. Mourners are gathered at 33 Crowhill, Borrowdale, Harare.
Online Reporter