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Elita Chikwati  and Ellen Chasokela
President Mnangagwa yesterday paid his condolences to the Gandire-Mhuri family at their home in Harare following the death of Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Timothy Gandire-Mhuri.

He was accompanied by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa and senior Government officials.

Cde Gandire-Mhuri succumbed to kidney failure on Saturday and was buried next to his wife, Edna, at Warren Hills Cemetery on Wednesday.

He was 88.

President Mnangagwa consoled the family and described how the two worked together in Zambia.

He narrated how Cde Gandire-Mhuri helped fellow comrades in the neighbouring country.

President Mnangagwa said the Gandire-Mhuri family would be reimbursed for funeral costs by Government because Cde Gandire-Mhuri was granted a State-assisted funeral.

“I used to talk to him during his last days and on other instances he would offer to pay me a visit,” he said. “I am sorry, but it is God’s will. My brother Cde Gandire took care of me when we were in school in Zambia.

“We also would approach him when we required transport. He was dedicated to the party and was in the Central Committee.”

President Mnangagwa said in a statement before visiting the Gandire-Mhuri family home that he was a dedicated cadre of the party, Zanu-PF.

He said the death of Cde Gandire-Mhuri was a great loss, not only to his family which lost a father and grandparent, but also to both Zanu-PF and the country which he served with undivided loyalty during the days of the liberation struggle and after independence.

“A very humble and down-to earth cadre of our party, the late Cde Gandire-Mhuri will be remembered for the great sacrifices he made alongside other cadres during the liberation struggle, especially in Zambia where he provided food, shelter and mobility to our freedom fighters from his transport business,” said President Mnangagwa.

“When he came back home after independence, Cde Gandire-Mhuri threw his weight behind party, Zanu-PF, which he served loyally and faithfully as a member of the Central Committee, representing the Midlands Province until the time of his death.

“On behalf of Government, the party Zanu-PF, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the Gandire-Mhuri family, especially his children and grandchildren, following the loss of their beloved father and mentor.

“We carry them in our hearts and offer our prayers during this their time of grief, which is ours together.”

Family spokesperson Mr Wellington Gandire described his father as a knowledgeable, wise and a hard-working businessman who taught his children well.