All set for national hero Mupamhanga burial

Emmanuel Kafe                                                  and Fungai Lupande 

ALL is now in place for the burial of national hero Cde Justin Mupamhanga at the National Heroes Acre tomorrow following the arrival of his body in Harare from Mashonaland Central province, where he was accorded a heartfelt farewell.

The body arrived at the Charles Gumbo Barracks yesterday afternoon, where it will lie in state.

Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga will preside over tomorrow’s burial.

Cde Mupamhanga, a former Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service and commitment to duty.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail soon after the arrival of Cde Mupamhanga’s body at the Charles Gumbo Barracks, director in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Mr Birthwell Mutandiro said a church service will be held in his honour today.

“The body will pass through Inner City Methodist Church, where he used to worship. Then the body of the late national hero will lie in state at 104 Drew Road, Grange, Chisipite, ahead of burial on Monday.”

On Monday, gates at the national shrine will open at 6am and mourners are expected to be seated by 7am.

 “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,” said the ministry in an earlier communiqué.

“The Acting President, General (Retd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga will preside over this burial.”

On Friday, funeral services were held at Cde Mupamhanga’s Rukariro Farm in Matepatepa, just outside Bindura, and his rural home in Chesa, Mt Darwin.

Speaking at the farm, the chief mourner and Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Christopher Magomo, said: “We have lost a father figure in the province, who remained loyal until his passing. We honour and cherish his life and thank President Mnangagwa for recognising him. He championed development in many ways. A lot of rural areas were able to get electricity in the province because of his efforts.”

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who is also the Mashonaland Central ZANU PF provincial chairperson, described Cde Mupamhanga as a mentor and adviser.

“After the liberation struggle, he continued serving in various ministries and departments before being promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Secretary in the OPC. This is a testament to his hard work and trustworthiness,” he said.

“He was heavily involved in the development of the province and served on the advisory committee for the Kanyemba project, all while maintaining a calm and peaceful demeanour.”

Cde Mupamhanga’s son Simba said his father remained humble despite his high station in life.

“Once, during a drive to the farm, he made over 103 phone calls to check on his friends and relatives. He was a people’s person. He taught us that humility costs nothing.”

In Chesa, Mt Darwin, ZANU PF Politburo member Cde Kenneth Musanhi broke down in tears while recounting how he worked alongside Cde Mupamhanga.

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 the Zimbabwe African National Union (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 within the Economics Division of the President’s Department. 

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

Cde Mupamhanga played a pivotal role in addressing national challenges. 

He was instrumental in mitigating the impact of El Niño-induced droughts, serving on a task force alongside prominent figures like the late Air Marshal Perrance Shiri.

He held the position of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, where he oversaw the liberalisation of the fuel industry. 

He also spearheaded the restructuring of the National Oil Company of Zimbabwe and established the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority. 

As Deputy Chief Secretary responsible for monitoring and evaluation in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Cde Mupamhanga provided crucial oversight for major Government initiatives, including the construction of the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam. 

A key highlight of his career was his leadership as chairperson of Command Agriculture, a pivotal role in which he spearheaded efforts to revitalise Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector and ensure the country reclaims its breadbasket status. 

Cde Mupamhanga retired from Government service in 2019 after 36 years of dedicated service to his country. 

He continued to contribute to national development as chairperson of Kuvimba Mining House.