adminWimbainashe Zhakata Mutare Correspondent
Prominent Mutare businessman Cde Hlanganiso Matangaidze, popularly known as Matan, who passed on at Murambi Gardens Clinic on Saturday last week after a long illness, was laid to rest at the Manicaland Provincial Heroes’ Acre on Wednesday.
He was 55.
Cde Matangaidze was accorded provincial hero status after recommendations made by Zanu-PF Manicaland Province.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, who presided over the burial, said the country had lost a hard worker before narrating Cde Matangaidze’s history.
“(Cde) Matangaidze was born on the March 3, 1963 at Zvambande Hospital, Shurugwi district, in the Midlands.
“He did his primary education at Vhungwi Primary School from 1970 to 1976. He proceeded to Thekwani College for his Ordinary Levels from 1977 to 1980 and went to attain his Advanced Levels at Bernard Mzeki College from 1981 to 1982
“Due to his academic prowess he enrolled at the University of Zimbabwe from 1983 to 1985 where he graduated with a first class Honours Degree in Economics,” she said.
“He joined Mutare City Council as a special interest councillor responsible for financial management. Cde Matangaidze is survived by his wife, Vongai Mangoro, and one son, six nieces and five nephews,” said Dr Gwaradzimba.
Cde Matangaidze owned Matan Transport, Wise Owl Motel and was also into farming. He was also a former president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce. He was the first businessman from Manicaland to win the ZNCC National Businessman of the Year Award in 2006.
Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairman Cde Mike Madiro described Cde Matangaidze as an astute businessman whose death had made the nation poorer.
“As a nation we are poorer without Matan. Most businessmen who are here should imitate the good works that he did,” said Cde Madiro.
Zanu-PF Secretary for Finance Cde Patrick Chinamasa said Matan was a hero even though he did not fight in the liberation struggle.
“Matan was a people person. He fought for economic independence. We have two phases of heroes. The first phase is of the liberation war heroes while the second phase is the fight for economic independence, empowerment and freedom.
“He developed Manicaland even though he was born in the Midlands. He worked towards achieving the Vision 2030 through his businesses that benefited the nation,” said Cde Chinamasa.
The burial was attended by business people and Government officials.
Online Reporter