By Wezhira Munya
In a heartfelt display of family and community solidarity, President Nelson Chamisa joined hundreds of mourners yesterday to bid farewell to his beloved niece, Mrs. Mushava Mobise Mashate. The funeral, held in Ward 23 of Gutu South, was a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds that transcend political divides.
Mrs. Mashate, who was sister to Deputy Mayor of Masvingo City and Councillor for Ward 5, Daniel Mberikunashe passed away unexpectedly on Monday, 20th May 2024, after suffering a stroke while receiving treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare.
Her untimely demise has left a void in the lives of her family, friends, and the broader community she so dearly loved.
“My sister was a unifier, a motherly figure, and a beacon of hope in our family,” said a visibly distraught Councillor Mberikunashe.
He added, “We have lost a truly remarkable individual, and her passing has left us all with heavy hearts.”
The highly attended funeral was a testament to Mrs. Mashate’s profound influence, as mourners from Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, and beyond gathered to pay their respects.
Joining President Chamisa in mourning his niece were prominent political figures such as National Organizer Amos Chibaya, former Harare Councillor Maiko, Mr. Mutingwende, organizing taskforce member and Mr. Manyanye, Gutu cluster leader.
Speaking at the funeral, President Chamisa expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Mashate family and the entire community. “Mrs. Mashate was a great woman, a pillar of our family, and a unifying force in this community,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion.
Furthermore, President Chamisa said “Her loss is deeply felt, and we must honor her memory by embracing the values she cherished: love, empathy, and unity.”
The President urged the mourners to heed Mrs. Mashate’s example, emphasizing the importance of avoiding conflicts and living in peace. “There is no need for us to fight each other,” he said. “Let us instead focus on the love and compassion that Mrs. Mashate embodied, and strive to carry on her legacy of bringing people together.”
The speakers at the funeral were unanimous in their praise of Mrs. Mashate’s kindness, her dedication to public service, and her unwavering commitment to the betterment of her community. In a touching display of her devotion to her faith, President Chamisa was seen dancing and wearing the traditional attire of the ZION church, joining the church’s dancers in a poignant tribute to the departed.
As the community gathers to mourn the loss of a beloved figure, the message of unity and empathy espoused by President Chamisa resonates strongly, a testament to the enduring impact of Mrs. Mashate’s life and the profound influence she wielded in Gutu South and beyond.
