President consoles family of veteran educationist Rushwaya

Joseph Madzimure, [email protected]

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa last night visited the Rushwaya family home in Harare to offer his condolences following the death of Sekuru Tinos Jesmiel Rushwaya, the father of Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.

Sekuru Rushwaya died on Thursday night after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 98.

Addressing mourners, President Mnangagwa urged the family to take comfort in the knowledge that death is a reality that all people must eventually face and accept as part of God’s will.

“As the most beautiful flowers are picked first from the garden, so too does the Lord call home those He loves dearly,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President encouraged Zimbabweans to live prayerful lives and prepare for eternity, noting that life unfolds according to God’s timing.

“As human beings we have to accept death,” he stated.

He said both life and death are divinely appointed, adding that there is a time for every purpose under heaven, including a time to die.

President Mnangagwa also encouraged Zimbabweans to continue wishing one another good health and long life so that they can collectively contribute to national development in a spirit of unity and love.

The President was accompanied by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Cabinet ministers, senior Government officials and business leaders.

Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana was also among those who attended the condolence visit.

In a statement released earlier yesterday, President Mnangagwa described Sekuru Rushwaya as a distinguished educationist, farmer and community leader whose contribution to the country spanned several decades.

The President said he had received news of the veteran educator’s passing with deep sorrow.

“A veteran educationist, Sekuru Rushwaya leaves behind a meritorious career as a leader in the field of education which spanned over several decades, and which accounted for multitudes of successful products who went through his hands,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said Sekuru Rushwaya’s enduring legacy could be seen through the many former students he mentored, some of whom have gone on to occupy influential positions in various sectors of society.

“Today many of his students occupy commanding echelons in our society, thus bearing loud testimony to the great work he discharged and accomplished in his professional life and career which took him to different schools across various provinces,” he said.

The President also paid tribute to Sekuru Rushwaya’s role beyond the classroom, describing him as a committed Christian, farmer and community leader.

“A devout Christian, Sekuru Rushwaya also stood out as a farmer and a local leader who remained engaged in community development to the very last days of his able life.”

President Mnangagwa said the late educationist’s compassion, selflessness and dedication to others had left a lasting example for society.

“As we mourn his demise, we celebrate such compassionate givenness to others, a legacy which must be deeply emulated and cherished by all in our society,” he said.

Sekuru Rushwaya served in various capacities within Zimbabwe’s education sector, including as a teacher, headmaster and schools inspector.

In recognition of his distinguished service to education and national development, Government has accorded him a State-assisted funeral.

President Mnangagwa also paid tribute to the prominent role Sekuru Rushwaya played within his family and community.

“They have lost a pillar of the family and community who led by inspiring example,” he said.

The President extended his sympathies to Dr Rushwaya, the wider family and all those mourning the veteran educationist.

“On behalf of the party, ZANU PF, Government, my family, and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to Dr Rushwaya, the Rushwaya family, relatives and friends on this their saddest loss,” he said.

He urged the family to draw strength from the meaningful life Sekuru Rushwaya lived and the generations of Zimbabweans whose lives he helped shape through education.

“May the good Lord grant him final repose, and rest his dear soul in eternal peace,” said President Mnangagwa.

Born in Mhazo Village, Gutu, on July 28, 1928, Sekuru Rushwaya began his education at Chihambakwe and Chidyamakuni schools before continuing at Pamushana Mission from 1939 to 1944.

He later attended Morgenster Mission, where he completed his teacher training between 1946 and 1947.

His teaching career began at Pamushana Mission in 1948 before he was transferred to Chibi Mission the following year, where he served as Boarding Master and Mission Overseer.

Between 1951 and 1953, he attended Tegwani Secondary School, where he obtained his Junior Certificate and Matric qualifications and served as Head Captain for four years.

After completing his studies, he was appointed head of Mapazure Primary School in Zvishavane, a position he held from 1956 to 1963.

He later headed several Government schools in Kwekwe, including Amaveni, Connemara Prison and Chiedza, between 1964 and 1969.

In 1969, he was transferred to Harare, where he became the founding headmaster of Tafara Primary School before later serving at Chembira School in Glen Norah.

In 1976, he was promoted to Education Officer based at Chester House, where he oversaw schools in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East, until his retirement in 1990.