Debra Matabvu
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has called on communities to support one another during times of bereavement, saying solidarity is critical in helping families cope with the loss of loved ones.
Addressing mourners in Kambuzuma yesterday, the President consoled Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Mr George Guvamatanga and his family following the death of his father, Sekuru Thomas Guvamatanga, who passed away on Wednesday last week.
He was 91.
President Mnangagwa said death was an inevitable part of life.
“We are deeply saddened. When a tragedy like this strikes, we must support and strengthen one another,” he said.
“We accept that this is God’s plan. No one can avoid their appointed time when it arrives; once it is here, there is no way around it.
“We must simply accept it while hoping that our loved one finds peace in that place — for no one truly knows what it is like there.
“After all, no one has ever gone there and returned to tell us what it is like.”
The President said the loss of a loved one should also remind people to cherish life and value the time they have with their families and communities.
He also said death remained an unavoidable final journey for everyone.
“I am always reminded of the words of the late Vice President Cde (Simon) Muzenda: When one knows that guests are coming, one cuts flowers and places them in a vase,” he said.
“And one selects only the beautiful, fresh blooms, never the withered ones. In the same way, God gathers the beautiful flowers.
“If you have not yet been gathered, it means you have not yet reached that state of perfect beauty.”
President Mnangagwa urged people to appreciate life while they still had the opportunity.
He said the gathering at the Guvamatanga family home was a reminder that, although death brings sorrow, communities should respond by comforting and strengthening those who have lost loved ones.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by senior Government officials, including Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya and several Cabinet ministers.
Sekuru Guvamatanga is survived by four children — George, Priscilla, John and Charles — 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He was buried yesterday at the Warren Hills Cemetery.
