Online Reporter
Farai Dauramanzi in Chiwara, Gutu
THOUSANDS of mourners yesterday thronged Chiwara, Gutu for the burial of provincial hero Sekuru Tinos Jesmiel Rushwaya, father of Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.
The veteran educationist, who served the nation for over four decades as a teacher, headmaster and schools inspector, died on Thursday night after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 98.
Among those who attended the burial were Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda; Cabinet Ministers Dr Anxious Masuka, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, July Moyo, Barbara Rwodzi, Tino Machakaire, Marian Chombo, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, Richard Moyo and Monica Mavhunga.
Also present were businessman Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Presidential Advisor Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, Deputy Ministers Dr Omphile Marupi, Sleiman Kwidini and Cde John Paradza, Chief Fortune Charumbira, Permanent Secretaries Mr George Guvamatanga and Mr Nick Mangwana, Public
Service Commission Chairman Dr Vincent Hungwe, and Deputy Chief Secretaries in the Office of the President and Cabinet Mr George Charamba and Reverend Paul Bayethe Damasane, among other senior Government and Zanu PF officials.
Speaking at the burial, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Ezra Chadzamira, who was the Chief Mourner, said Sekuru Rushwaya confronted colonial oppression, racial discrimination, economic exclusion and the denial of fundamental political rights to the majority before Independence.
“It was during this difficult period that our departed hero demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment at a time when speaking for justice required bravery and sacrifice.
“Sekuru Rushwaya stood firmly with the people and participated in the struggle for political emancipation through political mobilisation, community organisation and advocacy, hence he was declared a liberation hero,” said Cde Chadzamira.
Family representative, Dr Rushwaya, expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for the support rendered to the family during Sekuru Rushwaya’s illness.
“I want to thank the President and the First Lady for all the help they gave us during the time of my father’s illness.
“I also thank all the others who were helping us — ministers, business people and party members. Yes, my father has departed, but I think we should celebrate the 98 years he was with us,” he said.
Like other speakers, Dr Rushwaya described his late father as a pillar of strength who left a lasting legacy.
“My father taught us to be humble, disciplined and to treat others with dignity.”
Sekuru Rushwaya’s widow, Mrs Rudo Rushwaya, described her husband as a loving and caring man and thanked Dr Rushwaya and his wife, Mrs Rinah Rushwaya, for taking care of the family.
The provincial hero was born on 28 July 1928 in Mhazo Village, Gutu, as the first-born son of Mr and Mrs Jesmiel Rushwaya.
He began his education at Chihambakwe and Chidyamakuni schools between 1937 and 1938 before proceeding to Pamushana Mission where he completed Standards 1 to 5 from 1939 to 1944.
In 1945 he went to Morgenster Mission for Standard 6 and later trained as a teacher at the same institution from 1946 to 1947.
He furthered his studies at Tegwani Secondary School from 1951 to 1953 where he obtained his Junior Certificate and Matric, serving as Head Captain for four years.
Sekuru Rushwaya began his teaching career in 1948 at Pamushana Mission. He was transferred to Chibi Mission in 1949 where he served until 1950 as Boarding Master and Overseer.
He was appointed Head of Mapanzure Primary School in Zvishavane from 1956 to 1963.
Between 1964 and 1969 he headed several government schools in Kwekwe, including Amaveni, Conmara Prison and Chiedza.
In 1969 he was transferred to Harare where he became the first Headmaster of Tafara Primary School. He later served at Chembira School in Glen Norah.
In 1976 he was promoted to Education Officer based at Chester House, responsible for Goromonzi District in Mashonaland East, a position he held until his retirement in 1990.
