Prof Moyo’s daughter buried

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo, his wife Beatrice, their family and Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere pay their last respects to the Moyos’ daughter Zanele at Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare yesterday. — (Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)

Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
Zanele Moyo,the fourth daughter of the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Professor Jonathan Moyo was buried at Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare yesterday. Zanele (20) who was a first year Political Science, International Relations and Gender Studies student at the University of Cape Town, was found dead in her apartment on October 17. Senior Government officials, parliamentarians, service chiefs, academics, pastors and bishops from Harare and Tsholotsho, Zanu-PF supporters, friends and relatives gave Zanele a huge send-off.

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In his graveside speech, Prof Moyo said the death of his daughter had taught him and his family that all people are God’s children. “We are God’s people no matter whatever titles or stations in life. I saw that this was a reminder of the truth that many have always known that they live everyday. For others and myself, this was a profound lesson.

“I thank President Mugabe, Cabinet Ministers and everyone for your support throughout the week, especially upon our return with the body of my dear angel daughter on Wednesday. I found myself renewing my own faith and presenting myself to the Lord, because of the power of the messages from the pastors. The message shall be a part of me for as long as I live.

Zanele’s mother Mrs Beatrice Moyo urged communities to play a role in the upbringing of children and not leave the responsibility to the biological parents. “We have left our children to be brought up by technology when we the parents are there. In Kenya, (Mrs Moyo’s home country) it was everyone’s responsibility to bring up a child, but now we choose to label children and blame the parents instead of disciplining them. We are losing our children because of that,” she said. Prof Moyo, his wife and relatives laid wreaths.

President Mugabe’s wreath was laid by Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi, First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe’s wreath was laid by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Cde Sithembiso Nyoni. Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe laid a wreath as a friend and also on behalf of Mr Simba and Mrs Bona Chikore.

Prof Moyo sang a hymn from Psalms 23. Zanele’s sisters released 20 balloons in celebration of the time the family spent with her before giving testimonies and sharing the special moments they had with their sister. Meanwhile, Prof Moyo said local police requested for another post mortem, which was done on Thursday .