Online Reporter
All set for Cde Mupamhanga burial
We are at the National Heroes Acre where thousands have gathered for the burial of former Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Cde Justin Mupamhanga.
READ CDE JUSTIN MUPAMHANGA’S OBITUARY HERE
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga will preside over the burial.
Cde Mupamhanga died on 22 January 2025, at Arundel Clinic, Harare. He succumbed to diabetes and high blood pressure.
He was 71.
Service Chiefs led by Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda have arrived.
Vice President Kembo Mohadi arrives at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of national hero Cde Justin Mupamhanga
Zanu PF Chairman and Minister of Defence Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has arrived
09.55 – Cabinet Ministers and senior Zanu PF officials have arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of national hero Cde Justin Mupamhanga.
Those in attendance include Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Minister of Defence Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Service Chiefs, Cabinet Ministers, Zanu PF Politburo and Central Committee members among other senior officials.
The body of national hero Cde Justin Mupamhanga has arrived at the National Heroes Acre.
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga accompanied by his wife Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga have arrived at the National Heroes Acre.
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe is now on the podium to lead the proceedings.
Minister Kazembe says that it is sad that we are here again barely a week after burying three gallant sons of the soil to bury another hero Cde Justin “Top Ten” Mupamhanga. He invites Reverend Razo to deliver the opening prayer.
Minister Kazembe invites the son of the late national hero, Deputy Minister of Youth, Empowerment and Vocational Training Development Kudakwashe Mupamhanga to address mourners on behalf of the Mupamhanga family.
He starts his address by thanking President Mnangagwa and the Government for bestowing national hero status on his father. Deputy Minister Mupamhanga says his father is a hero not only to the Mupamhanga family but to the nation at large. He says that the death of Cde Top Ten is a big loss to the family and country. The Deputy Minister says that his father was a respectful individual who lived a great life. He says the national hero was a very quiet man who was very supportive of his family and country. Honourable Mupamhanga concludes his speech by reciting the Moyondizvo totem praise in respect of his father.
Minister Ziyambi is back on the podium. He pays tribute to Cde Mupamhanga for remaining humble despite his contribution to the country during and after the liberation struggle. Minister Kazembe calls on the country to respect war heroes who remain humble despite their massive contributions to the liberation of the country. He invites the Acting President Dr Chiwenga to deliver his keynote address. Acting President Dr Chiwenga says that it is sad that we are laying to rest Cde Mupamhanga a few days after laying to rest three of his comrades. He extends condolences to the Mupamhanga family on behalf of the President, Government, Zanu PF and the country at large. Dr Chiwenga is now narrating Cde Mupamhanga’s history.
He says Cde Mupamhanga was born in Mashonaland East province but his family later moved to Chesa, Mashonaland Central. The national hero went through secondary school and enrolled at the then-University of Rhodesia but abandoned his studies to join the liberation struggle together with other comrades. He went on to play a significant role during the liberation struggle. After independence, he held various posts and was later appointed as the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, a position he held with distinction as he oversaw crucial infrastructure developments.
“In 2012, Cde, Mupamhanga was appointed Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet. In this role, he oversaw the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of various Government initiatives and projects. Notably, he was involved in supervising Command Agriculture. After an illustrious career spanning 36 years, Cde. Mupamhanga retired from public service in November 2019 and subsequently assumed chairmanship of Kuvimba Mining House. He continued to play a significant role in Zimbabwe’s development trajectory in various capacities.”
Acting President Dr Chiwenga speaks against corruption and greed saying that everyone must have an equal share of the country’s resources as pronounced by President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “Leaving no one and no place behind”. He says the country’s resources must be distributed equitably and used to develop the country. Dr Chiwenga says that national hero Cde Mupamhanga loved his country and church. He says Cde Justin Mupamhanga was an exemplary civil servant who used his skills for the development of the country. “Out of the office, Cde Mupamhanga was a dedicated farmer who produced to feed the nation. We should all ask ourselves how our skills are benefitting the country.” Acting President Dr Chiwenga has finished his address.
READ CDE JUSTIN MUPAMHANGA’S OBITUARY HERE
Acting President Dr Chiwenga is now handing over the National Flag to Mai Mupamhanga. Acting President Dr Chiwenga is now handing over the National Flag to Mai Idah Mupamhanga. Cde Mupamhanga’s body is now being taken to its final resting place.
Minister Kazembe has delivered closing remarks. Now singing of the National Anthem to end the programme.
