adminHarare Bureau
President Robert Mugabe yesterday mourned former Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union president, Silas Hungwe, commending him for his immense contribution in imparting knowledge and skills to indigenous farmers.
Hungwe, brother to Minister of State for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education Cde Josiah Hungwe, died on Monday morning after a long illness.
He was 91.
President Mugabe, who visited the Hungwe family home in Mabelreign together with Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Cabinet Ministers, said for his role in the development of Zanu-PF and the government, Hungwe would get a State-assisted funeral.
“He was one of us and deserves a dignified send-off. We discussed it and agreed that he be accorded a State-assisted funeral to lessen the burden on the family in terms of funeral expenses,” said the President.
He said to show his dexterity, the Zimbabwe Open University had accorded the now deceased an Honorary Doctorate in Agricultural Management even when he was not well.
“Looking at his work for the development of indigenous farmers, it was benefiting even though he was not leading a normal life as he was in a wheel chair,” he said.
Minister Hungwe said most family members, including himself had been raised by Hungwe. He also thanked President Mugabe for finding time to console the Hungwe family.
Born Sarayi Dunira Hungwe on August 24, 1924 in Masvingo, Hungwe attained an Advanced Master Farmer Certificate, majoring in groundnuts, sorghum, livestock and farm management.
He is survived by wife Rhoda, five children and several grandchildren.
He will be buried in Masvingo tomorrow.
Online Reporter