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ZANU-PF Parliamentarian Cde Annastacia Kavhu, who died last week and was declared provincial heroine, was laid to rest at her Nyazura farm at a funeral attended by hundreds of mourners who included politicians, service chiefs, relatives and friends. Cde Kavhu, who was the Zanu-PF women’s quota representative for Manicaland, died at Parirenyatwa Hospital where she was admitted after succumbing to high blood pressure.
She was 78 and is survived by a daughter and eight grandchildren.
Cde Kavhu joined Zanu-PF in 1980 and was among the pioneer women to launch co-operatives as was advocated by the new black Government to spur economic development.
She worked closely with the late Amai Sally Mugabe to set up life-changing co-operatives, projects and women’s clubs. In 1981 she was elected secretary for finance in Vengere District and elevated in 1984 to the interim provincial committee for Manicaland. From 1985 to 2012, she was Zanu-PF Manicaland Province Women’s League political commissar and in 2013 she was elected into the main wing as secretary for gender, a year which she was also elected into Parliament.
Speaking to The Manica Post on the sidelines of the funeral, Zanu-PF Secretary for Transport and Welfare in the Politburo and Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the party was robbed of a dedicated cadre who was with the party through thick and thin.
“The party lost a cadre who was so strong since joining the party in 1980. She worked hard for the party from the lower structures up to national level.
“The issue of women empowerment through projects and co-operatives was at her heart.
“She worked closely with the late Amai Sally Mugabe to spearhead development after independence.
“She was a consistent and principled party cadre whom we relied on. She was a leader who was so passionate with orphans and widows.
“She assisted a lot of women to start projects in the province,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Minister for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, described Cde Kavhu as a leader who despite her limited education was a source of inspiration for many in the party.
Online Reporter