Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure, Zimpapers Politics Hub
NATIONAL hero Cde will be buried today at the National Heroes Acre, with President Mnangagwa expected to preside over the proceedings.
Cde Kuretu, a veteran nationalist and respected community leader, passed away on August 7 at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare following a short illness. He was 83.
Director of Gender Mainstreaming and Inclusivity in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mrs Sylvia Sithole-Fundire, confirmed yesterday that preparations for the burial were complete.
“We expect members of the public to be seated by 7am before the burial proceedings commence. They should turn out in large numbers to bid farewell to our national hero,” she said.
Zanu-PF Harare Provincial Political Commissar, Cde Voyage Dambuza, also urged party supporters to attend the funeral in great numbers.
“Cde Kuretu hailed from Harare, so we anticipate a bumper crowd at the national shrine,” he said.
More than 60 buses have been allocated across Harare to transport mourners from designated pick-up points.
Yesterday, thousands of people from Mufakose gathered to pay their respects at a church service held at the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. This was followed by a community event at the Mufakose Community Hall, where residents had the opportunity to bid farewell to the national hero.
The gatherings were attended by senior Government officials, Zanu-PF Politburo members, and other party structures.
Speakers at the events described Cde Kuretu as a patriotic and humble leader who served his country with dedication.
Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister for Harare Metropolitan Province, Charles Tawengwa, encouraged Mufakose residents to honour Cde Kuretu’s legacy by voting for Zanu-PF. He highlighted the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.
“He was a committed cadre, a son of the soil, a husband and a father,” said Minister Tawengwa.
He added that Cde Kuretu was granted national hero status by President Mnangagwa in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the party and the nation.
Zanu-PF Secretary for War Veterans, Cde Douglas Mahiya, described Cde Kuretu as a true patriot and urged Zimbabweans to uphold his legacy by defending the country against detractors.
“Zanu-PF is the only party with a defined history. We joined the liberation struggle at a young age and overcame a well-organised enemy,” he said.
The party’s Deputy Secretary for Security, Cde Tendai Chirau, called on the youth to avoid destructive behaviours such as drug abuse.
“We should emulate the good works of Cde Kuretu to honour those who sacrificed their lives for our liberation,” he said.
He also urged parents to be vigilant about their children’s activities and to report drug-related issues to law enforcement authorities. Zanu-PF Council of Elders member, Cde Idah Mashonganyika, described Cde Kuretu as a courageous fighter who stood firm against colonialism.
Women’s League Secretary for External Affairs, Cde Betty Kaseke, encouraged young people to be patriotic and to uphold Cde Kuretu’s contributions to the nation’s liberation.
Born on March 3, 1942, Cde Kuretu was a teacher by profession, having trained at Mutare Teachers’ Training School in 1960.
He became politically active at a young age, joining the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 1963 and later the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu). He was imprisoned multiple times for political activism.
Following the 1987 Unity Accord, he held various positions within Zanu-PF, eventually becoming a member of the National Consultative Assembly. He also served as national chairperson of the Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association until his death.
Cde Kuretu is survived by wife, Ritah, nine children and 34 grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 9793 Jiri Crescent, Mufakose, Harare.
