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Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
THE body of former Manicaland Governor and Deputy Minister of Industry and International Trade, Cde Kenneth Vhundukai Manyonda, arrived at his Nerutanga rural home in Buhera for a memorial service this morning.
The body laid in state at Nerutanga before being flown to Harare tomorrow in preparation for burial at the National Heroes’ Acre on Saturday.
Government officials, politicians, and people from all walks of life converged at his rural homestead to pay last respects to the astute politician who is remembered for defeating Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) president, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai in Buhera North during the 2000 parliamentary elections.
Cde Manyonda, was also the acting Chief Nerutanga at the time of his death, become the second traditional leader from Manicaland to be interred at the national shrine after Chief Rekayi Tangwena.
Acting ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza said a10 buses have been secured to ferry mourners from Manicaland to Harare.
Cde Mukodza described Cde Manyonda as an astute politician who has left a legacy of development in Buhera and Manicaland at large.
“He beat the late Morgan Tsvangirai in Buhera North in an election result that shocked imperialists who were supporting the MDC in 2000 elections. He did not only beat Mr Tsvangirai, but work hard to deliver his promises to the electorate. He implemented a lot of projects, empowered youths and women while ensuring that vulnerable children go to school within walking distance on full stomachs. We want to thank President Mnangagwa for according this illustrious son of Manicaland the national heroes status. Manicaland as a whole was unanimous that he be granted the status,” said Mr Mukodza.
Buhera West legislator Cde Soul Nzuma said Cde Manyonda was an oasis of wisdom and was ready to offer sound advice when approached.
“He was mature, humble, down to earth, yet very intelligent. He was always ready to assist with sound advise when approached. He belonged to the group of pioneer black politicians together with the late Cde Kumbirai Kangai and they are the ones who set the developmental trajectory of Buhera.
“If the truth be told, none of the four current Members of Parliament in Buhera has delivered half of what Cde Manyonda did. He was a political role model worthy emulating. He made sure people were fed during drought. He spearheaded the construction of schools, health centres, roads, dip tanks and brought in bulls to improve the size of our cattle,” said Cde Nzuma.
Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Edgars Seenza said: “We are sorry for his death, but we are happy that President Mnangagwa has declared him a national hero given the prolific role he played in uplifting and developing Manicaland. Cde Manyonda has an impeccable history of assisting the grassroots as well as others to acquire political office before doing that himself. Cde Manyonda empowered communities, and the people of Buhera and Manicaland greatly appreciate what he did for them.
“He was a humble and down to earth politician who subordinated his interests for the betterment of community. At the time of his death, he was the acting Chief Nerutanga from July 2021, and we hope the family will proceed as united as was the case during his time,” said Mr Seenza.
Provincial Chiefs’ Council chairman, Chief Makumbe said Cde Manyonda curved his own history by becoming the second traditional leader from the province to be buried at the national shrine.
“We are happy with the honour to make him the second traditional leader after Chief Rekayi Tangwena to be buried at there. Yes, as traditional leaders we have a special way and places to bury chiefs, but we accept the honour by Government.
We are pleased that a chief is being interred at the national shrine.
Cde Manyonda helped a lot of vulnerable people in Buhera. He was a politician who left behind tangible development. He was the first to fight climate change through afforestation and gully reclamation programmes throughout the district, and his demise is a huge loss to the people of Buhera.
“He has left an indelible mark of development, he recruited youths to undergo training the telecomunication sector. He was indeed a man of the people, and his good deeds have followed him to the grave. He was an honest politician, the yesteryear breed of politicians who did not splash money to get a position. He entered in politics through the doctrine of nationalism,” said Chief Makumbe.
Family spokesman, Mr Edward Manyonda said his brother was a father figure and a unifier.
“He was a strict disciplinarian both in the family and in politics. He was a firm and loving. He respected and earned respect of everyone in the family. He valued the family more than anything. He wanted us to live in harmony. He hated parallels, and wanted issues to be resolved in an amicable manner. He left behind a huge void difficult to fill. His shoes are too big to fill. We lost a pillar of strength, and a depository of wisdom who was always available with his wise counsel. The greatest gift he has left behind is love and co-existence. We are grateful to President Mnangagwa for according him national hero status,” he said.
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