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Tendai Gukutikwa

Mutare Bureau

THE late Zanu PF Manicaland provincial secretary for administration Cde Kenneth Saruchera who was declared a liberation war hero was buried at the Manicaland Provincial Heroes Acre on Tuesday.

Cde Saruchera (60) who was also the Manicaland Zimbabwe Open University regional director and fondly known as Sayeyo died in Mutare last Friday and was described by many as a man of the people.

His burial was attended by family members and Government officials due to the Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

Speaking at his burial, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Nokuthula Matsikenyere, described him as a dedicated and very active party cadre.

“We take solace in acknowledging his professionalism and loyalty to the party and nation at large. The Saruchera family has been robbed of a son, brother, breadwinner, husband and father,” said Minister Matsikenyere.

Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Michael Madiro, said Cde Saruchera’s death left the party poorer as he was very humble and had unique passion for the party.

“He was very unique in his application when it came to party matters. He was a team player and we are poorer without him. Everyone should imitate the good works that were done by the late hero as he was a well disciplined man, principled, transparent and abhorred factionalism. This man was a man of unique qualities,” said Cde Madiro.

Family spokesperson, Mr Allen Saruchera described the late veteran politician and educationist as a loving person.

“He was a man who never wavered to the right or to the left when it came to following his principles. 

“He served us well and gallantly and he shall forever be remembered. He has left a torch for us to carry forward,” he said.

Cde Saruchera was born on January 8, 1951 in Nyanga and had a Masters’ Degree in Educational Administration and Policy Planning from University of Zimbabwe.

He worked with ZANLA forces during the liberation war in Nyanga, mobilising resources, transporting comrades, weapons and recruiting cadres.

He participated in campaigns against internal settlement elections in Marondera and Mabvuku in Harare.

In Manicaland, he was a Zanu-PF district secretary for Nyamauru and Dangamvura districts, before rising to provincial deputy treasurer.

He was also a provincial secretary for publicity and information for 10 years before becoming the provincial secretary for administration.

He served as a councillor under Mutare City Council for 12 years as well as a commissioner for the city.

Cde Saruchera is survived by his wife, Tsitsi and four children, one girl and three boys.