President mourns former Governor Manyonda
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has described the late former Manicaland Provincial Governor and Deputy Minister of Industry and International Trade, Cde Kenneth Manyonda, as a symbol of fearless fortitude and unwavering commitment.
The late Cde Manyonda (88) died in Harare on Wednesday after a long illness.
In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said: “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.
“A quietly spoken veteran nationalist who cut his political teeth in trade unionism during colonial days, Cde Manyonda remained in step with our nationalist movement and the struggle until our national independence.
“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.
He added that 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.
He added: “On behalf of the party, Zanu PF, Government, my family and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Manyonda Family, especially to his immediate family, on their saddest loss. As they grieve over the loss of their beloved father and guardian, may they find solace in that the whole nation joins them and shares their grief.”
Cde Manyonda, who was also Acting Chief Nerutanga, is survived by four children.
Funeral arrangements were yet to be announced by the time of going to print.