Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
ZANU PF Mashonaland West acting Secretary for Administration Cde Gilbert Chibayamagora was laid to rest at the provincial heroes’ acre in Chinhoyi on Sunday.
Party leaders, Government officials, family members, friends and colleagues attended the burial.
In their farewells, mourners said they will remember Cde Chibayamagora for his dedication to the ruling party and public service.
Cde Chibayamagora died on October 9, 2026, aged 55, after battling blood cancer.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Cde Marian Chombo, the chief mourner, said President Mnangagwa declared Cde Chibayamagora a provincial hero in recognition of his contribution to the country.
Cde Chombo said the province had lost a dedicated cadre whose commitment to the party remained unwavering until his death.
Born on May 16, 1971, Cde Chibayamagora started his political journey in 1990 when he joined ZANU at Chiweshe Village in Musambakaruma.
He served in various party structures, from branch and district youth leadership to the provincial executive.
“He held several positions, including provincial deputy secretary for Disability, deputy secretary for Transport and Social Welfare, and provincial secretary for Transport and Welfare, before becoming acting provincial Secretary for Administration,” she said..
“Beyond party politics, Cde Chibayamagora served as a councillor for Gatche Gatche Ward 2 in Nyaminyami Rural District Council from 1997 to 2018.”
He also held several leadership positions within the local authority, including council chairperson from 2006 to 2008.
Cde Chombo said the late cadre remained committed to his responsibilities even when his health deteriorated, urging young people to draw lessons from his dedication, hard work and service.
She also called on youths to shun drug and substance abuse, warning that the scourge was destroying families, talent and opportunities.
ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Senator Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the province had been robbed of a dedicated cadre whose contribution to the party, particularly in Kariba and Nyaminyami, would be greatly missed.
“We have been robbed of a true gallant son. I worked with him, and we worked together as a party. He was a force to reckon with in Kariba and for Kariba,” she said.
Sen Mliswa-Chikoka said Cde Chibayamagora continued serving the party despite his illness, demonstrating his commitment to its work.
ZANU PF Politburo member and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi also paid tribute to the late cadre, describing him as a hard worker whose contribution to the party’s campaign work, including the CAB3, now CAA3, would be greatly missed.
Family representative Mr Punish Chibayamagora thanked President Mnangagwa for conferring his relative provincial hero status and the party for standing by the family during its time of grief.
Colleagues and friends, including Cdes Nigel Murambiwa and Elisha Bokoro, described the late cadre as a reliable and committed party member who could be counted on to fulfil his responsibilities.
Cde Chibayamagora is survived by his two wives, Susan Murisa and Florence Chaita, 13 children and four grandchildren.
