adminVictor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Thousands of people yesterday gathered at Chief Rusike’s home in Goromonzi to pay their last respects to the traditional leader who died at the age of 74 after a short illness.
Chief Rusike, who was conferred with liberation hero status for his service to the country during and after the liberation struggle, died at his Liester Farm in Goromonzi on July 26 and was buried at the farm yesterday.
As the chief mourner, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who was represented by his Deputy Minister Benjamin Kabikira, consoled the Rusike family on their loss.
“President Mnangagwa has declared the late Chief Rusike a liberation war hero, I therefore thank you for raising a true gallant son of the soil committed to the development of not only his area of jurisdiction, but the entire Goromonzi district.
“While he belonged to the Muchenje family, he had become part of the larger family that embraced every Zimbabwean. Your loss is our loss too and we acknowledge the respect that the Government of Zimbabwe has accorded him today. I say to Chief Rusike, well done a true son of the soil, mwana wevhu, rest in peace,” he said.
Minister Garwe highlighted Chief Rusike’s contributions to the development of Goromonzi and his selflessness as he worked towards improving the livelihoods of his people.
National Council of Chiefs president Chief Lucas Mtshane Khumalo, who was at the funeral, appealed to the family of the departed traditional leader to remain calm and peaceful as they wait for the opportunity to choose his successor.
Online Reporter