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Nduduzo Tshuma Senior Reporter
ZANU-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo yesterday described as a sad development the death of Emily Maliwane Mkhwananzi, widow to Zapu’s first vice president Dr Samuel Tichafa Parirenyatwa, who was also the country’s first black physician. Mkhwananzi, 85, who was mother to Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa, died on Wednesday at Harare’s Parirenyatwa Hospital – named after her late husband – after a long battle with diabetes.
Cde Khaya Moyo, who is also the Senior Minister in the Office of the President and Cabinet, said Mkhwananzi was one of the country’s unsung heroines who played in their own way, a crucial role in the liberation of the country.
He said he had notified President Mugabe of Mkhwananzi’s death during the burial ceremony of the late Brigadier General Eliah Bandama at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday.
“It is a very sad development; we know she has not been well for some time. The name Parirenyatwa should send a message to many people. Dr Samuel Tichafa Parirenyatwa died when he was vice president of Zapu in August 1962.
“We know that he was murdered at Heany Junction level crossing by the special branch of the Rhodesian government under the guise that his vehicle had been hit by a train which we all knew was not true. The driver who is called Danger is still alive and living in the United Kingdom.”
Cde Khaya Moyo said the party joins Dr Parirenyatwa and family in mourning the passing on of Mkhwananzi.
“She played her own role during the liberation of our country. These are what we call unsung heroines of our liberation struggle but those of us who knew her will never minimise the role that she played,” he said.
“As national chairman of Zanu-PF, I want to convey our deepest condolences to Dr Parirenyatwa and family for this sad loss. Their loss is our loss as well. I will be going to see the family in Bulawayo tomorrow (today) to convey our condolences.”
Zanu-PF secretary for information and publicity Cde Rugare Gumbo said the party was saddened by Mkhwananzi’s death and joined the Parirenyatwa family in mourning.
Zanu-PF politburo member Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu said Mkhwananzi carried with her the heavy burden of her husband’s murder by the Rhodesian government.
“Firstly I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the Parirenyatwa family and the minister in this time of pain. His mother carried a heavy burden in her heart of the murder of her husband by the Rhodesian agents,” Dr Ndlovu said.
“I was one of the people waiting for Dr Parirenyatwa in Bulawayo for an important meeting on the day when his vehicle was intercepted by the Rhodesian special branch and he was murdered.”
Speaking to Chronicle at his mother’s house in Romney Park, Dr Parirenyatwa said even if Mkhwananzi was not involved in active politics, she imparted in him a critical political mind.
“She met my father at Howard Mission in Mashonaland Central where she was training as a nurse. She worked as a nurse for her entire life,” he said.
“She imparted subtle political insights in me when growing up. Even later when I visited her, she analysed things in a curious but pro-people way.
She used to live in Barbourfields before moving here. I remember when she came here; she asked me if she could contest as a councillor. She was a community leader.”
Dr Parirenyatwa said Mkhwananzi was of royal blood and very proud of her status.
“We would visit Ntabazinduna where she grew up and my mother would insist that we visit the late Chief Khayisa (Ndiweni).”
Mkhwananzi was born on 16 July 1929 in Manxeleni, Ntabazinduna, where she grew up.
She trained as a nurse before joining the Bulawayo City Council.
In 1968, she received a long service award from the municipality after serving it for 15 years as a nurse.
From council, she was employed by government and worked at Thorngrove Hospital and the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) before retiring in 1994.
A staunch member of the Anglican Church, Mkhwananzi is survived by five children, David, Mavis, Juliet, Barbara, and Christopher. She also leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
A burial service for Mkhwananzi will be held at St Margaret’s Church in North End today before burial at the Lady Stanley Cemetery.
Mourners are gathered at 8 Eakins Avenue, Romney Park in Bulawayo.
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