Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Wallace Ruzvidzo, Harare Bureau
FORMER Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairman Ambassador John Mvundura, who died in Harare last week, was yesterday declared a National Hero by President Mnangagwa.
He was 81.
Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Administration Cde Mike Nyambuya delivered a message from President Mnangagwa to the Mvundura family on the conferment of National Hero status.
Cde Nyambuya was accompanied to the Mvundura family home in Harare by Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Lands and Agriculture, Cde Mike Madiro.
In his remarks, Cde Nyambuya said the President had seen it fit to bestow the highest honour on Ambassador Mvundura for his immense contribution during and after the protracted liberation struggle.
“I have been sent by President Mnangagwa to relay the message that Ambassador Mvundura has been accorded National Hero status,” he said.
“His track record speaks for itself. He was a selfless and dedicated Zimbabwean who has left a distinct trail of his deeds during the liberation struggle and after the liberation struggle.
“So, after considerations, His Excellency has conferred national hero status on Cde John Shumba (Mvundura).”
Cde Nyambuya said details on burial arrangements would be availed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage in due course.
However, he suggested that Ambassador Mvundura could be buried tomorrow (Wednesday) together with Major-General (Retired) Solomon Siziba and former Information, Posts and Telecommunications Minister Cde Chenhamo “Chen” Chakezha Chimutengwende.
“I think he will be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Wednesday along with the others,” he said.
Cde Nyambuya said Ambassador Mvundura had left a lasting legacy that would forever be cherished.
“He was a strong man with strong views, who never failed to make his opinions known. He gave his life for the liberation of this country and we shall forever remember him,” he said.
Ambassador Mvundura’s younger brother, Mr John Mvundura, expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for honouring not only his brother but the family at large.
He also expressed gratitude to the Zanu-PF Manicaland leadership for being with the family since the death of Ambassador Mvundura.
“The President has seen it fit that Cde Mvundura is accorded National Hero status and as a family, we are very grateful for that decision.
“We are so happy to know that we have a President who loves us and recognises us as a family.
“We also thank the Zanu-PF leadership in Manicaland for standing by us and ensuring one of our own is bestowed with such an honour,” he said.
Ambassador Mvundura’s first-born daughter, Ms Janet Mvundura, described her father as a caring man who took good care of his family.
“He was a loving man who took care of his family well. He was a father who expected much from us as his children.
“He always wanted us to walk in a straight path to safeguard the family name,” she said.
Ambassador Mvundura is survived by his wife Mrs Perpetual Mvundura and 10 children.
shloboe boe
Online Reporter
