Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has mourned the death of former Information Minister Dr Christopher Mushohwe, who was a longtime civil servant and later a holder of key ministerial portfolios.
Dr Mushohwe who was the executive director of the Presidential and National Scholarships Programme died today in the morning.
President Mnangagwa said the news of Dr Mushohwe’s death was devastating.
“The passing on of Dr Christopher Mushohwe early this morning after a long illness is a deep loss to our Nation and devastating news to my Family and to me personally. A longtime Civil Servant, and later a holder of key ministerial portfolios under the First Republic, Dr Mushohwe held very sensitive positions in Government, including serving as personal staff to our late President Robert Mugabe with whom he worked closely for many years as Director of State Residences.
Such placements called for total trust, integrity and loyalty, attributes which Dr Mushohwe exuded and glowed in abundance,” said the President.
He said Dr Mushohwe’s elevation to the level of Minister of Government in charge of key ministries like Transport, and Information and Publicity, reflected not just personal growth, but the profound faith Government reposed in him.
“Always showing a strong internal drive and an insatiable urge to improve himself, Dr Mushohwe used his scarce time to study through distance education until he became a holder of two doctorates. This was an extraordinary feat for a man holding such sensitive and onerous positions,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said Dr Mushohwe was also instrumental in setting up an educational programme for senior war veterans in Government, which was run from Zimbabwe House.
“Later, he played a pivotal role in ensuring greater access to education for able, yet disadvantaged Zimbabweans, through the Presidential Scholarship Programme which educated thousands,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the ruling Party Zanu-PF, has lost a stalwart
“Dr Mushohwe started from a humble role of a war collaborator in the struggle, rising to become a Member of Parliament, and a key figure in the party’s provincial structure of Manicaland.
“Before long, he became a Member of the Central Committee, before being elevated to the Politburo where he was in charge of Economic Policy and Affairs. The party has lost a key stalwart and loyal cadre whose rich and perceptive contributions will be sorely missed,” said the President.
He said the nation was in mourning.
“On behalf of the ruling Party, ZANU PF, Government, our Nation, my Family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Mushohwe Family, especially to Mrs Mushohwe and the children, on this their saddest loss.
As they go through the painful motions of grief, may they find solace in the knowledge that our Nation shares in their pain and bereavement. Indeed, his outstanding contribution to his country and people should assuage their grief which Zimbabwe today gives back through the great honour and respect it accords to the dear departed,” said the President.
Online Reporter