Thousands of mourners gathered at Chiwara Village in Gutu yesterday to bury provincial liberation hero Sekuru Tinos Jesmiel Rushwaya, the father of Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.
Sekuru Rushwaya, a veteran educationist who served the country for more than 40 years as a teacher, headmaster and schools inspector, died last Thursday following a long illness caused by prostate cancer. He was 98.
The burial was attended by senior Government and Zanu PF officials, among them Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda; Deputy Chief Secretaries in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba and Reverend Paul Bayethe Damasane; and Cabinet ministers Dr Anxious Masuka, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, July Moyo, Barbara Rwodzi, Tino Machakaire, Marian Chombo, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, Richard Moyo and Monica Mavhunga.
Businessman Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Presidential Adviser Dr Dilesh Nguwaya, Deputy Ministers Dr Omphile Marupi, Sleiman Kwidini and Cde John Paradza also attended. Other mourners included Chief Fortune Charumbira, Permanent Secretaries Mr George Guvamatanga and Mr Nick Mangwana, Public Service Commission chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe, as well as other senior Government and Zanu PF officials.
A life shaped by the liberation struggle
Delivering the main address, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said Sekuru Rushwaya had confronted colonial rule, racial discrimination, economic marginalisation and the denial of political rights to the black majority before Independence.
The minister said the late hero showed courage at a time when standing up for justice carried significant personal risk.
“It was during this difficult period that our departed hero demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment at a time when speaking for justice required bravery and sacrifice.“Sekuru Rushwaya stood firmly with the people and participated in the struggle for political emancipation through political mobilisation, community organisation and advocacy, hence he was declared a liberation hero,” said Minister Chadzamira.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Martin Rushwaya thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for supporting the family during his father’s illness. He also expressed gratitude to ministers, businesspeople and party members who assisted the family.
“I want to thank the President and the First Lady for all the help they gave us during the time of my father’s illness.“I also thank all the others who were helping us, ministers, businesspeople and party members.“Yes, my father has departed, but I think we should celebrate the 98 years he was with us,” he said.
Dr Rushwaya described his father as a source of strength whose values would continue to guide the family.
“My father taught us to be humble, disciplined and to treat others with dignity.”
Sekuru Rushwaya’s widow, Mrs Rudo Rushwaya, remembered him as a loving and caring husband. She also thanked Dr Martin Rushwaya and his wife, Mrs Rinah Rushwaya, for looking after the family.
Distinguished education career
Born on July 28, 1928, at Mhazo Village in Gutu, Sekuru Rushwaya was the first-born child of Mr and Mrs Jesmiel Rushwaya.
He began his education at Chihambakwe and Chidyamakuni schools between 1937 and 1938 before enrolling at Pamushana Mission. There, he completed Standards One to Five between 1939 and 1944.
He proceeded to Morgenster Mission in 1945 for Standard Six and later trained as a teacher at the same institution from 1946 to 1947. Between 1951 and 1953, he continued his studies at Tegwani Secondary School, where he obtained his Junior Certificate and Matric. He also served as head captain for four years.
Sekuru Rushwaya entered the teaching profession in 1948 at Pamushana Mission. The following year, he moved to Chibi Mission, where he worked as boarding master and overseer until 1950.
From 1956 to 1963, he was head of Mapanzure Primary School in Zvishavane. He subsequently led several Government schools in Kwekwe, including Amaveni, Conmara Prison and Chiedza, between 1964 and 1969.
In 1969, he was transferred to Harare and appointed the first headmaster of Tafara Primary School. He later served at Chembira School in Glen Norah before being promoted in 1976 to the position of Education Officer at Chester House.
In that role, he was responsible for Goromonzi District in Mashonaland East until his retirement in 1990.
Sekuru Rushwaya is survived by his widow, children, relatives and a legacy built on public service, education and participation in the country’s liberation history.
