adminMidlands Bureau
PRESIDENT Mugabe has condoled Ambassador Kennedy Manyika following the death of his wife, Mrs Bella Rehab Manyika, who died on Saturday at Clay Bank Hospital in Gweru after a short illness.She was 85. In his condolence message which was conveyed by former Midlands Governor and Zanu-PF Politburo member, Cde Cephas Msipa, President Mugabe described Mrs Manyika as a woman of high standing who was supportive of her husband during his political journey.
Cde Msipa also described the late Mrs Manyika as a strong woman whose support for her husband during and after the liberation struggle was unwavering.
“I have always said that people must recognise heroes’ wives as well as other women who have been supportive of their husbands who served the nation diligently.
“I have known Mrs Manyika for more than 40 years. She and her husband were both teachers during the liberation struggle and were close friends with President Mugabe. I remember at one time when the President came riding a bicycle to attend their wedding. He sent his condolences after failing to attend the burial because of the swearing in of the Cabinet,” he said.
Cde Msipa also laid the wreath sent by President Mugabe on Mrs Manyika’s grave. Family spokesperson, Dr Noah Manyika said Mrs Manyika served as a teacher for more than 40 years before retiring.
She taught at Hope-Fountain for a long time among other schools in Zimbabwe before retiring and joining her husband in Yugoslavia when he was appointed Zimbabwe’s ambassador to that country Yugoslavia.
Mrs Manyika was also given State assisted burial. She is survived by her husband Kennedy, five children and 15 grand children.
Online Reporter