Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
DEFENCE Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri last night joined other senior Government officials in mourning Sekuru Thomas Guvamatanga, father of Finance Permanent Secretary Mr George Guvamatanga, who died on Wednesday at the age of 91.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the Guvamatanga family in Harare, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also ZANU PF National Chairperson, described the death as a great loss to both the family and the nation.
She said Sekuru Guvamatanga had raised children who went on to serve the country in various capacities.
“As you are aware, his son George is a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Finance. He is Permanent Secretary in one of the key ministries.
“Mr Guvamatanga is one of the Government’s strategists who worked tirelessly to ensure the economy is stable,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri described Mr George Guvamatanga as a patriotic civil servant who contributed to ensuring the equitable distribution of resources across Government ministries.
“We are here to mourn with the family. Today we are celebrating the life of a hero who educated his children to serve the nation at the highest level.
“We say go well, Sekuru Guvamatanga,” she said, urging the family to find solace in God as they mourn.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire described Sekuru Guvamatanga as a caring father who loved his family and community.
“We spent most of our time with him, and you could see how deeply he loved his community in Kambuzuma. He was a wonderful storyteller,” he said.
Family representative Mr George Guvamatanga described his father as a caring and God-fearing man who valued education and encouraged his children to pursue it to the highest level.
“Our father was a caring and God-fearing man.
“He was a devout Catholic who participated in church activities in Kambuzuma,” he said.
Mr Guvamatanga said his father cherished his community and taught his family to love and respect their neighbours.
His wife, Maria, died in 1997.
He is survived by four children — George, Priscilla, John and Charles — 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Among those who attended the funeral proceedings were Special Advisor to the President on Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability Dr Dilesh Nguwaya and Special Presidential Investment and Empowerment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara who is also Geo Pomona Waste Management chief executive and executive chairman.
Sekuru Guvamatanga will be buried at Warren Hills Cemetery today.
Mourners are gathered at 1604, Section 5, Kambuzuma, Harare.
