Siphakeme .Mnindwa
THE country will lay to rest National Hero, Cde Justin Mupamhanga, at the National Heroes Acre on Monday in a ceremony presided over by Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
Dr Chiwenga will stand in for President Mnangagwa, who is currently on annual leave, and will he be accompanied by his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga.
Cde Mupamhanga, a distinguished former Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, passed away on Wednesday at a local hospital, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service. His remarkable career was marked by unwavering commitment and forthrightness.
As part of his final journey, Cde Mupamhanga’s body was airlifted to Rukariro Farm in Matepatepa, Mashonaland Central Province, where it will lie in state.
The body will then be moved to Farm 108 in Chesa, Mt Darwin, before being laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has provided updates on the arrangements, ensuring a dignified farewell for the national hero.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is advising the nation that the late National Hero and former Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Cde Justin Mupamhanga, who died on 22 January 2025, will be laid to rest on Monday 27 January 2025 at the National Heroes Acre.
“The Acting President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, will preside over this burial.
“Tomorrow, Saturday 25 January 2025, from 1pm, the body of the late National Hero will be airlifted to Harare, where it will lie in state at Charles Gumbo Barracks. On Sunday, 26 January, from 9am, a church service in his honour will be conducted at Mabelreign Revelation-Methodist Church.
“The body will pass through Inner City Methodist Church, where he used to attend. The body of the late National Hero will lie in state at 104 Drew Rd, Grange Chisipite, ahead of burial on Monday,” reads part of the statement.
Gates will open at 6am at the national shrine, and mourners are expected to be seated by 7am.
The Government has invited the public to come in numbers to give a befitting farewell to a son of the soil and dedicated public servant.
