Liberation Hero Mutukwa laid to rest

COMRADE Simbarashe Mutukwa (47), who was conferred Liberation Hero Status by President Mnangagwa, was laid to rest at the Gweru Provincial Heroes’ Acre on Wednesday.

Affectionately known as “Cde Riot” or “Baba Rarara”, he died on Sunday after a long illness.

Cde Mutukwa previously served as Midlands Provincial Youth League Secretary for Commissariat, where he was recognised for his dedication and unwavering commitment to empowering young people.

At the time of his death, Cde Mutukwa was serving as Gweru District Coordinating Committee Secretary for Gender and Culture.

Addressing family members, friends and mourners at the burial of Cde Mutukwa, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said the liberation hero passed away on Sunday in Gweru after a long illness.

“The Midlands Province will long remember its son, a selfless youth leader, consistent, loyal cadre and above all, a patriotic comrade with steadfast commitment and unwavering service to the Ruling Party, Zanu-PF.

“On behalf of the Midlands Province and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to convey my deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Midlands Province in general and to the Mutukwa family on the untimely departure of their beloved relative who has left a gap too huge to be filled,” said Minister Ncube in a speech read on his behalf by his director, Mr Masimba Mukondo.

Minister Ncube said Cde Mutukwa was born on May 14, 1980, in Shurugwi.

He attended Chechenyu Primary School before proceeding to Batanai Secondary School in Shurugwi, after which he relocated to Gweru where he lived with his brother.

Cde Mutukwa joined the ruling party in Gweru at an early stage, demonstrating notable leadership qualities, and was subsequently employed by Gweru City Council under the Works Department.

“I diligently worked with him since the 1990s, where he massively contributed towards youth empowerment, political mobilisation, gender affairs and cultural development among other development initiatives directed towards strengthening the Party,” he said.

Minister Ncube said Cde Riot also worked with various revolutionary party stalwarts, including Cde Kizito Chivamba, Cde Petros Ndagaya, Cde Wellington Magura, Cde Tapiwa Muto and Cde Jona Nyevera, among others.

“His leadership and dedication are reflected in the following key positions, which he held in 2002: Political Commissar, Tongogara District; 2005: Vice Youth Chairman, Tongogara District; 2007: Youth Chairman, Tongogara District; 2008: DCC Youth Affairs, Gweru; 2011: Youth Provincial Committee Member; 2013: Provincial Political

Commissar, Youth League and until his passing, he was Secretary for Gender and Culture for Gweru DCC,” he said.

Minister Ncube said throughout his extensive tenure of service, Cde Mutukwa consistently exemplified a pillar of unity and mobilisation, promoting the values, vision and objectives of Zanu-PF.

He said he played a key role during the transition to the Second Republic and the New Dispensation, actively strengthening party structures and supporting the development agenda under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the Midlands Province appreciates the conferment of Liberation Hero status by President

Mnangagwa to one of our own in recognition of his distinguished support for the Revolutionary Party and its socio-economic programmes,” he said.

Cde Mutukwa is survived by four children.