Chronicle Editor
Peter Matika, [email protected]
POLITICAL leaders from Matabeleland region yesterday re-iterated the need to safeguard unity and embrace peace and forgiveness as key attributes for sustainable and inclusive national development.
Speaking to scores of mourners at the funeral service for the late former Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister, Cde Eunice Sandi Moyo at the city’s Amphitheatre, the senior political leaders said the drive towards achieving Government’s vision 2030 would not be complete without unity, peace and forgiveness.
They paid tribute to the late, Sandi Moyo who was buried at the Lady Stanley Cemetery, for her brave contribution during the liberation struggle and her hard-work and commitment to the development of Zimbabwe after independence.
Cde Sandi Moyo died at Mater Dei Hospital last Thursday at the age of 78 after a long battle with hypertension. In their eulogies, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube and her Matabeleland South counterpart, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, and Zanu-PF Politburo member Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, all stressed the essence of collective solidarity towards developmental transformation.
“Unity is the cornerstone of progress. As a nation, we must come together, regardless of our differences and work towards a shared goal of prosperity and development,” said Minister Ncube.
“Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of strength and resilience. By forgiving past transgressions and focusing on building a brighter future together, we can overcome any obstacles in our path.”
Minister Ncube said Sandi Moyo’s death was a huge loss for Bulawayo province and the country at large, describing her as a kind, courageous and fierce woman who played a huge role during the liberation struggle.
“Her service to Bulawayo and Zimbabwe is immeasurable. As a city and country, we are grateful to her service and sacrifices and that is why we are grateful to President Mnangagwa for honouring her as well,” said Cde Ncube.
“She lived a purposeful life, let us have a culture of forgiveness. Just like the late Vice-President, Dr Joshua Nkomo said, ‘as a nation, in order for us to go forward, we need to forgive each other’.
“Let’s, therefore, harness a culture of talking to each other and mend our wrongs,” said Cde Ncube.
“Sandi Moyo was a peaceful and loving person. She was a true iconic citizen of the province. We should strive to work hard to develop our Bulawayo as envisioned by Cde Sandi Moyo.”
As the ceremony came to a close, the mourners stood in quiet reflection, saying their final goodbyes to a woman who left an indelible mark. The legacy of Cde Eunice Sandi Moyo will live forever, especially among those she served so faithfully, said Dr Ndlovu.
“By fostering a culture of love towards one another, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious society for all,” she said.
“The call for unity, forgiveness and love comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe as the nation faces a myriad of challenges on its path to economic prosperity.”
Dr Ndlovu said by embracing these core values, Zimbabweans can foster a sense of togetherness and solidarity that will pave the way for sustainable growth and development.
“As the people of Matabeleland South, we are pained by her death. We worked very close together since the time we met in Zambia during the liberation struggle.
“She led a huge group of women and was in charge of caring for us. Upon our return, she didn’t stop there but made sure that the woman’s plight was heard. She was a true patriot of the country,” said Dr Ndlovu.
Rtd Col Tshinga Dube said Cde Sandi Moyo was an extraordinary woman who fought for the liberation of the country from the shackles of colonial rule. He said she also fought for the emancipation of women.
“I learnt with sadness of her passing away. The news spread like veldfire and that is when the President was in Bulawayo on official business.
“I spoke with her daughter and we attempted to pen her obituary. However, it was missing a lot and we decided to get more information about her from Zanu-PF Council of Elders member, Cde Angeline Masuku,” he said.
“They were in the struggle together and spent years in Zambia side by side. Eventually, we managed to compile what we could present to the President.”
Despite the sadness that hung heavy in the air, there was also a sense of unity and strength among the crowd. Rtd Col Dube said he finds comfort in knowing that Cde Sandi Moyo’s family was not alone in mourning their beloved one.
Bulawayo mayor Councillor, David Coltart described Cde Sandi Moyo as an illustrious and great leader.
“She served the city with true diligence. She joined the council from what I am told in the 70s as a teacher in Pelandaba suburb.
“She groomed a lot of people and some are among us here. She played a critical role in moulding many people who play critical roles in the management and development of the city,” said Clr Coltart.
“She touched the lives of many people while she was the Minister of State. As a city, we remember her contribution in empowering young women entrepreneurs.”
Cde Sandi Moyo is survived by four children, three daughters and a son, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
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