Manyonda declared national hero

Manyonda declared national hero

Mako Jerera

President Mnangagwa has declared former Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce and Governor of Manicaland Province Cde Keneth Manyonda a national hero.

Cde Manyonda died in Harare on Wednesday at the age of 88 after a long illness.

In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, announced that President Mnangagwa declared the late onetime Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Governor of Manicaland Province under the First Republic, Cde Kenneth Manyonda, a National Hero.

“The conferment of National Hero Status on the late departed followed consultations of, and consensus by, the Politburo,” Dr Sibanda said.

There are consultations between Government and the family which will inform the course of events.

In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa described Manyonda as a symbol of fearless fortitude and unwavering commitment.

“I learnt with deep sorrow and sadness of the passing on early yesterday of Cde Kenneth Manyonda, our former Deputy Minister and then Governor of Manicaland Province. Although I knew he had been unwell for quite some time, I still hoped he would pull through, thus remaining with us for much longer. Sadly, this was not to be,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa said Cde Manyonda`s history in trade unionism helped in navigating issues in independent Zimbabwe.

“He had joined politics far back in the heady days of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and remained engaged until we attained our independence.

Like his peers, Cde Manyonda suffered harassment and incarceration at the hands of the colonial authorities, but without ever giving up or abandoning the cause. He thus stands in national annals as a symbol of fearless fortitude and unwavering commitment,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa said Cde Manyonda had the knack for living and investing ahead of his times.

“After independence, Cde Manyonda served his country diligently, including in the higher office of Minister of Government after his appointment as Deputy Minister and later as Governor of Manicaland Province.

“As a Member of Parliament for Buhera West, he served the community with remarkable foresight, including in respect of a rural livestock upgrading programme which he introduced well before our Land Reform Programme.

“Later, he would pioneer a commercial brick-making project in Mutare, thus anticipating the rapid construction thrust which comes with the urbanisation we now witness across the country. He had this knack of living and investing ahead of his times,” said President Mnangagwa.

Cde Manyonda, who was also Acting Chief Nerutanga, is survived by four children.

Also, Mr Manyonda, who held several leadership positions in Government and ZANU PF after independence, is remembered for nurturing a number of political leaders in Manicaland province and beyond.