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1028: We are at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of national hero, the late Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Engineer Oliver Chidawu, who died last Tuesday. Thousands of people have thronged the national shrine.
1034: The service chiefs have arrived.
1040: Zanu PF second secretary and Vice President Mohadi arriving at the National Heroes Acre.
1102: President Mnangagwa has just arrived.
1126: Ngoni Kudenga, the family representative, is now addressing the gathering. He says the Chidawu family appreciates the support given by the Government.
1130: He said the late Engineer Chidawu was a champion of black empowerment.
1151: President Mnangagwa now addressing mourners. He says he received the news of the death of Cde Chidawu with shock given that they were together the previous night at the National Arts Gallery where they were celebrating the return from London of artefacts produced by black Zimbabwean students in the 1950s.
1156: President Mnangagwa chronicles the early life of Cde Chidawu. He says that he was born on 9 August 1954 in Masinire village under Chief Mutengwa in Chivhu, went to Ntabazinduna Primary School in Bulawayo. Cde Chidawu eventually took up a job at Postal Telecommunications Corporation while studying using his meagre salary to pay for correspondences. He completed ZJC, O Level and A level before he enrolled for a National Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering with City and Guilds of London and also trained as a Telecoms Engineering with PTC.
1200: In 1981, Cde Chidawu was elected councillor for Kambuzuma ward 14 before becoming Mayor for Harare in 1985 says, President Mnangagwa. The President described Cde Chidawu as an entrepreneur with business astuteness which saw the country benefiting immensely. With the current crop of councillors, the dream of the Government and that of Cde Chidawu for Harare might just be a dream says the President.
1206: The President says Cde Chidawu used his professional qualifications to improve many economic sectors like construction that empowered many young people. He established the African Banking Corporation Holdings which became Bancabc. Others he helped to set up include Star Africa Corporation, Pelhams, Heritage Insurance Company, PG Industries, Bindura Nickel Corporation, Kuchi Holdings and Bitumen where he was either Chairman or board member.
“He was never manipulated for personal gain. I challenge businessmen to emulate Cde Chidawu who was dependable and had integrity.”
1209: “Those who come to invest must do so in our terms and conditions consistent with the mantra ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’. Likewise, we need more men and women who are willing to provide their skills for the good of our country.
“Believe in yourself and play your part. Zimbabwe continues to be attacked by its former colonial masters. Our country, freedom, sovereignty, democracy, dignity and heritage are not for sale.
Let those who hear us do so loud and clear. None but ourselves are responsible for our destiny and future. We are moving ahead brick upon brick, stone upon stone.”
1214: “You must conduct your business in a manner that uplifts the life of our people. To Chidawu I say go well our Engineer, go well a true patriot of Zimbabwe rest in peace and be assured that the nation will take your vision forward. Famba zvakanaka Musaigwa,” says President Mnangagwa as he ends his speech.
1215: That concludes our updates.
Online Reporter