Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
MOURNERS have started gathering in Barbourfields, Bulawayo, for the funeral of veteran Zanu PF member Cde Edward Ntungwana Songo, who died on Sunday after a long illness.
Cde Songo, 88, is survived by his wife, Lucy, six children, several grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He died at a local private clinic after battling a long illness that began in early 2024, according to his granddaughter, Ms Nomklakazi Songo, the family spokesperson.
“My grandfather was our hero and pillar of strength for the whole family. Relatives have started arriving for the funeral and we are making final logistics for his burial at a local cemetery in Bulawayo. We will know the exact cemetery where our grandfather will be buried when the necessary paperwork has been completed.
“He was a very popular man in his community and in the political sphere. Mourners are gathered at our family home at Number 135 Barbourfields suburb in Bulawayo,” said Ms Songo.
Cde Songo was born on May 1, 1938.
Zanu PF said Cde Songo was a member of Mziba District, the ruling party’s Bulawayo DCC Area 1, and had been involved in national politics from the early 1960s.
“Joined National politics in 1961 as a war collaborator (Mjibha) in Mbalibali, then moved to Lupane in 1967 where he collaborated with guerillas for a very long time until 1980,” the party said on its social media platforms.
Following independence in 1980, Cde Songo remained aligned to ZAPU before joining Zanu-PF after the signing of the Unity Accord between Zanu-PF and PF-ZAPU in 1987.
According to the party, he was subsequently elected district chairperson in 1987 and held various positions in the Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province Main Wing until late 2014.
Zanu PF said Cde Songo was part of the campaign team for the late Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube during the 2014 and 2018 elections.
