adminChinhoyi Bureau
Former Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Cde John Mafa, who died on Saturday and was declared a liberation war hero, will be buried at his Doffin Farm in Chegutu this afternoon.
Cde Mafa (61) died at a private surgery in Chegutu after developing a medical complication.
Born on January 7 1953, Cde Mafa was a war collaborator in the Zipra forces that operated from the northern parts of the country, before being employed by Zapu after Independence.
From 1971 to 1975, he was the ANC youth secretary before rising to be the Zapu youth chairman from 1976 to 1977.
He rose through the ranks to become party provincial organising secretary before he left for Zambia.
Upon his return in 1980, he was elected into the Zapu central committee until 1984.
After the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987, he was co-opted into provincial taskforce to oversee integration.
He was later transferred to the Zanu-PF headquarters in 1990 where he worked until 2003 when he resigned to venture into politics after being elected provincial party vice-chairman in 2002, deputising Cde Phillip Chiyangwa.
Cde Mafa was the acting provincial chairman from 2005 until 2008 when he was elected the substantive chairman.
Party provincial secretary for administration Cde Kindness Paradza said Cde Mafa will be buried at Doffin Farm at around 2pm and several high ranking party and Government officials have confirmed their attendance.
A former GMB provincial operations manager, Cde Mafa has been described by many as a humble and committed party cadre.
Mashonaland West provincial chairman Cde Temba Mliswa said his death was a great loss as he worked tirelessly for the party.
“I worked with him when I was provincial secretary for lands and he supported land reform and was uncompromising when he took a stand on something,” he said.
Cde Mliswa described Cde Mafa as sober and humble.
He is survived by his wife, eight children and 11 grandchildren.
Online Reporter