Ambassador John Mvundura Declared National Hero
Former Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Ambassador John Mvundura, who passed away in Harare last week at the age of 81, has been declared a National Hero by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The announcement was made yesterday, with Zanu PF Deputy Secretary General, Cde Mike Nyambuya, delivering the news to the Mvundura family in Harare.
Cde Nyambuya, accompanied by Zanu PF Deputy Secretary for Lands and Agriculture, Cde Mike Madiro, conveyed President Mnangagwa’s decision to honour Ambassador Mvundura for his remarkable contributions during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and in the years following independence.
“I have been sent by President Mnangagwa to relay the message that Ambassador Mvundura has been accorded National Hero status,” said Cde Nyambuya. “His track record speaks for itself. He was a selfless and dedicated Zimbabwean who has left a distinct trail of his deeds during and after the liberation struggle.”
Cde Nyambuya highlighted that burial arrangements would be announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. Preliminary indications suggest that Ambassador Mvundura may be laid to rest tomorrow at the National Heroes Acre alongside Major-General (Retired) Solomon Siziba and former Minister Chenhamo Chimutengwende.
Reflecting on Ambassador Mvundura’s legacy, Cde Nyambuya described him as a principled and fearless individual whose contributions to Zimbabwe would be remembered for generations. “He was a strong man with strong views, who never failed to make his opinions known. He gave his life for the liberation of this country, and we shall forever remember him,” he said.
The Mvundura family expressed their gratitude for the honour. Ambassador Mvundura’s younger brother, Mr George Mvundura, thanked President Mnangagwa and the Zanu PF leadership in Manicaland for their support. “As a family, we are very grateful for this decision. We are so happy to know that we have a President who loves us and recognises us as a family,” he said.
Ambassador Mvundura’s daughter, Ms Janet Mvundura, described her father as a loving and disciplined family man who valued integrity. “He always wanted us to walk in a straight path to safeguard the family name,” she said.
Ambassador Mvundura is survived by his wife, Mrs Perpetual Mvundura, and 10 children.
