Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
NATIONAL hero Cde Victor Kuretu will be buried at the National Heroes Acre today, with President Mnangagwa expected to preside over the proceedings.
Cde Kuretu, a veteran nationalist and community leader, died on August 7 at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare after a short illness.
He was 83.
Director of gender mainstreaming and inclusivity in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mrs Slyvia Sithole-Fundire, yesterday said all was in place for today’s burial.
“We expect members of the public to be seated by 7am before the burial proceedings start. They should come out in their numbers to bid farewell to our national hero,” she said.
Zanu PF Harare provincial Political Commissar, Cde Voyage Dambuza, encouraged party supporters to attend the funeral in large numbers.
“Cde Kuretu came from Harare, so we expect a bumper crowd at the national shrine,” he said.
Mourners and church members follow proceeding at the Church Service for the Late National Hero, Victor Kuretu yesterday.- Picture: Edward Zvemisha.
More than 60 buses have been allocated in Harare to transport people from designated pickup points.
Yesterday, thousands of people from Mufakose gathered to bid farewell to Cde Kuretu at a service held at the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
Thereafter, there was another event at Mufakose Community Hall, where the community was given an 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 diligently served his country.
Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister for Harare Metropolitan Province, Charles Tawengwa, urged Mufakose residents to honour Cde Kuretu’s legacy by voting for Zanu PF.
He emphasised the hard work and 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 due to his unwavering dedication to the party and the nation.
Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, Cde Douglas Mahiya, described Cde Kuretu as a true son of the soil 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 ruling party’s Deputy Secretary for Security, Cde Tendai Chirau, encouraged 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 regarding their children’s activities and report drug-related issues to law enforcement.
Zanu PF Council of Elders member, Cde Idah Mashonganyika, described Cde Kuretu as a brave fighter who stood against colonialism.
Women’s League Secretary for External Affairs Cde Betty Kaseke, called on young people to be patriotic and uphold Cde Kuretu’s contributions to the nation’s liberation.
Cde Kuretu, born on March 3, 1942, was a teacher by profession.
He was involved in politics from a young age, joining the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 1963 and later the Zimbabwe African People’s union (ZAPU). He faced imprisonment multiple times for his political activities.
After the 1987 Unity Accord, he held several positions in Zanu PF, eventually becoming a member of the National Consultative Assembly.
He was also involved with the Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association, serving as national chairperson until his death.
Cde Kuretu is survived by wife his Ritah, nine children and 34 grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at House number 9793 Jiri Crescent, Mufakose, in Harare.
Cde Kuretu is survived by wife his Ritah, nine children and 34 grandchildren.
Cde Kuretu is survived by his wife Ritah, nine children and 34 grandchildren.