Mupamhanga burial on today

Columbus Mabika, Harare Bureau

ACTING President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, will preside over the burial of national hero Cde Justin Mupamhanga at the National Heroes Acre in Harare this morning.

He will stand in for President Mnangagwa who is on annual leave.

Gates at the national shrine will open at 6am and mourners are expected to be seated by 7am. 

Cde Mupamhanga, a former Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, passed away on Wednesday at a Harare hospital, leaving behind a legacy of forthright public service and dedication to duty.

A church service in his honour was held yesterday at Mabelreign Revelation-Methodist Church, with mourners describing him as a God-fearing man.

Former Zesa Holdings chief executive, Eng Ben Rafamoyo, who worked with the late national hero when he was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, said his death is a huge blow to the church.

“I cannot fathom the death of Cde Mupamhanga. This is a great loss to the United Methodist family. With his ties to people, he did so many things for the church of God to go forward. We can spend the whole day talking about them,” said Eng Rafamoyo.

Retired-Major Anesu Katsande, who is the United Methodist Harare District Superintendent, concurred saying the death of Cde Mupamhanga was not only a loss to his family but the nation at large. 

“The late national hero was a devout Christian who would not miss a church service. He did a lot for the growth of the church, among them building a church in his home area of Mt Darwin. He did not show that he held top positions in Government but rather remained simple. He was a giver and loved God. He was someone who looked after the church,” she said.

Cde Mupamhanga abandoned his university studies at the then University of Rhodesia in 1975 to join Zanla forces fighting to liberate the country.

Following his military training, he was permitted to complete his university education. He subsequently held key positions within Zanu, serving in the commissariat and education departments.

After Zimbabwe’s independence, he embarked on a distinguished career in the public service. He commenced his Government service in 1983 in the Economics Division of the President’s Department.

His career trajectory included significant roles such as Minister Counsellor at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London and Deputy Director in the President’s Department under the then Minister of State Security, President Mnangagwa.

Cde Mupamhanga also played a pivotal role in addressing national challenges.