Sundaymail Editor
Vice-President Dr Mujuru has paid tribute to late national hero and Zanu-PF Politburo member Dr Nathan Shamuyarira, who passed on in June this year, describing him as a dedicated cadre who always put Zimbabwe first.
In a speech read on her behalf by Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo at the memorial service of the late former Cabinet minister in Harare yesterday, Dr Mujuru said Dr Shamuyarira was a renowned intellectual who loved his country deeply.
“Colleagues who worked with him at various stages in his life described him as a cool and calm person who was steady, a deep thinker, conciliatory, diplomatic, patient, and someone who loved his country and its people,” she said.
“When discussing national issues, he took people seriously and listened and he would remember previous discussions.
“He was seen as a father figure and consulted by many Zimbabweans young and old, big and small, for advice on anything that troubled them.
“He made friends and kept them, whether he agreed with them or not, and if he thought they were going astray politically, intellectually or morally, he would try to guide them back into the fold. He was writing President Robert Mugabe’s biography at the time of his death.”
Long-time colleague Dr Herbert Murerwa said the late national hero was a father figure to many.
“At independence, I was appointed permanent secretary and he became the Minister of Information but he remained a very good friend,” said Dr Murerwa.
“He knew no rank. He made everyone feel at home in his presence.
“He wanted to mentor me so that in future I could play a role in building the country.
“Whatever he told you in private is what he would tell you in public.
“He helped me politically especially when I was making the transition from working in the civil service to becoming a politician.
“He always told me to be courageous and not worry about making mistakes but to always do what is right. He was always a shoulder I could lean on.”
Other speakers — who included Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Cde Nicholas Goche and Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda — described Dr Shamuyarira as a hard-worker who served Zimbabwe well.
Dr Shamuyarira died at West End Clinic on June 4 at the age of 85 and was buried at the National Heroes Acre.
He was survived by his wife Dorothy.
Online Reporter