Online Reporter
Cde Kuretu, revered as a veteran nationalist and respected community leader, will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre in a ceremony to be presided over by President Mnangagwa.
The late hero, who passed away on August 7 at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare at the age of 83, is being remembered for his patriotism, humility, and lifelong service to the nation.
More than 60 buses have been mobilised to bring mourners from across Harare, with officials calling on the public to attend in solidarity.
Yesterday, thousands gathered in Mufakose to bid farewell, sharing stories of Cde Kuretu’s profound impact on their lives.
As people begin to arrive for today’s proceedings, the Zimbabwe Chimurenga Choir sets a solemn and reflective tone, honouring a man whose legacy continues to inspire.
Stay tuned as our reporters, Harmony Agere, Don Makanyanga and Zvamaida Murwira, and photographer Wilson Kakurira, as well as chief photographer Believe Nyakudjara, bring you live updates from the Heroes Acre.
General Sibanda and Service Chiefs arrive
The Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Philip Valerio Sibanda, has arrived, accompanied by the service chiefs.
Upon arrival, General Sibanda inspected the parade.
Other senior security officials have already taken their seats.
The official program will commence once the President arrives.
Mourners celebrate the life of a national hero
At the National Heroes Acre, the atmosphere is more festive than sombre as crowds gather to celebrate the life of national hero Cde Victor Kuretu.
Music fills the air from every corner — the Vabvuwi, Police Band, Zimbabwe Chimurenga Choir, and Young Women for ED all performing simultaneously, blending into a vibrant soundscape that caters to every taste.
The Mbare Chimurenga Choir electrifies the crowd with their trademark energetic dances, while the terraces steadily fill with people eager to witness the day’s proceedings.
It is a fitting tribute, a joyful salute to a man whose life embodied service and dedication.
Cde Kuretu a dedicated servant of the party – Senator Hungwe
Harare Province Politburo member Senator Omega Hungwe has described national hero, Cde Victor Panganai Kuretu, as a dedicated member of Zanu PF who stood by the ethos of the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the burial of Cde Kuretu at the National Shrine, Senator Hungwe said she worked with the late national hero.
“I worked with Cde Kuretu during the days of the Unity Accord. He was from ZAPU, and we were from Zanu PF.
“Cde Kuretu was elected Zanu PF councillor, a position he held for a long time. We worked together — I as a commissar and he as chairman of ZEPPDRA, a position he held until his untimely death,” said Senator Hungwe.
She added that the late national hero was a straightforward person who never deviated from the principles of the party.
“He was a straightforward person, and he never sold out; that is why we respect him so much. Since ZANU and ZAPU united, he continued to serve the party and country with dedication,” said Senator Hungwe.
Vice Presidents arrive
Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, have arrived for the burial of Cde Kuretu.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and several senior government officials have also arrived and taken their positions.
The arrival of President Mnangagwa is expected shortly.
President Mnangagwa arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived for the burial of national hero Cde Victor Kuretu, moments after the late hero’s body was brought to the National Heroes Acre.
Accompanied by service chiefs, the President immediately joined the Kuretu family in the funeral procession.
His arrival marks the official start of the day’s program, as the nation gathers to honor the life and legacy of the veteran nationalist.
Minister Kazembe pays tribute to Cde Kuretu
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe is now on the podium directing the proceedings.
He described the late national hero as a dedicated cadre who loved his country wholeheartedly.
The late hero was part of those who fought for a better and more prosperous Zimbabwe.
“He was a loyal, resilient, and dedicated cadre,” he said.
Minister Kazembe urged Zimbabweans to keep the legacy of Cde Kuretu alive.
“Cde Kuretu was a unifier in the family”
National hero, Cde Victor Panganai Kuretu, has been described as a loving and caring father who held the Kuretu family together.
Addressing mourners at the National Shrine, the daughter of the national hero, Precious Kuretu-Mutisi, described Cde Panganai as a bridge that held the family together.
“The pain is deep, but so is the love and gratitude we feel for having known him. It is difficult to describe him in a few words, for he was many things: kind beyond measure, generous without condition, and a man whose smile carried warmth and hope.
“He was the counsellor whose wisdom guided us, the bridge that held our family together,” said Kuretu-Mutisi.
She added that the late national hero was a devoted politician, believer, and farmer.
“A true politician who loved his path, a devoted believer who loved God and cherished the church, a farmer whose hands turned soil into life.
“He taught us that faith is our compass, love is our guide, and service is our great faith’s calling.
“His life was his message. It spoke of unity, humility, and devotion to both family and country,” said the daughter of the late national hero.
President Mnangagwa hails Cde Kuretu as a loyal patriot and tireless servant
President Mnangagwa has described national hero Cde Victor Kuretu as a steadfast patriot, dedicated revolutionary, and tireless servant whose work embodied loyalty, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe’s independence and development.
Speaking at Cde Kuretu’s burial, the President said Cde Kuretu’s journey was one of courage and selflessness, spanning from his youthful political activism to his later years as a public servant.
“He was a warrior of consciousness, devoted to the ideals of our liberation struggle and the building of our independent state,” President Mnangagwa said.
Born in 1963, Cde Kuretu distinguished himself from an early age through hard work and community service.
As a young man, he was deeply involved in political organisation, demonstrating leadership qualities that would see him rise through the ranks.
In later years, he served in various capacities within Government, always prioritising the welfare of the people.
President Mnangagwa noted that Cde Kuretu remained grounded and committed to unity, working closely with colleagues and communities alike.
“He was not just a comrade in arms, but a brother, a friend, and a man of principle. His dedication will forever inspire future generations,” the President said.
The President urged Zimbabweans to emulate Cde Kuretu’s example of service before self, stressing that the ideals for which he lived and worked remain central to the nation’s progress.
Cde Kuretu laid to rest with full honours
The late national hero, Cde Victor Kuretu, has been laid to rest in a ceremony marked by full military honours.
As his casket was lowered into the grave, a gun salute echoed through the air, paying tribute to his service and dedication to the nation.
The mournful notes of the Last Post followed, bringing a poignant stillness before the priest conducted the committal rites.
In a touching gesture, family members cast soil into the grave, symbolising their final farewell.
President Mnangagwa and his deputies concluded the proceedings with the laying of wreaths, sealing the moment with respect and reverence.
Online Reporter