NATIONAL hero Cde Kenneth Manyonda (88), who died on Wednesday after a long illness, will be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Saturday.
Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri — who headed a delegation that included Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and ZANU PF Secretary for Finance Cde Patrick Chinamasa to the family home in Harare yesterday – gave the letter of the conferment of National Hero status to the Manyonda family.
Addressing mourners, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said Cde Manyonda was a principled man, whose loyalty to the country never faltered.
“Cde Manyonda was an astute man, who was well-known for his service to the country. He fought for black empowerment before and after independence.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said because of Cde Manyonda’s contribution to the country’s sovereignty, the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa was making tremendous strides in its development trajectory.
“We now have dignity and hope and as President Mnangagwa says, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’. Cde Manyonda has left us with a task to continue taking the country forward,” she said.
In her remarks, Minister Mutsvangwa said Cde Manyonda was a people-centred cadre as evidenced by his astute leadership during his tenure as Manicaland Governor.
“He is a hero to this country, particularly to the people of Manicaland province. Everyone in the province was shaken. As Governor, he led the province to be what it is today. He was a people’s person and testament to this was also his position as acting Chief Nerutanga,” she said.
Announcing the burial date, Cde Chinamasa, said the day was set after consultations with the Manyonda family.
“I was discussing with the Manyonda family after President Mnangagwa called me, asking when the family would like Cde Manyonda’s burial to take place, then I consulted them and they told me they have family members coming from abroad, so they said on the 19th of November,” said Cde Chinamasa.
Family spokesperson and the national hero’s son, Mr Edmore Manyonda, expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the honour bestowed on his father and for the assistance rendered to the family so far.
Cde Manyonda is survived by four children. – The Sunday Mail
