Walter Nyamukondiwa in CHEGUTU
Former Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman and liberation war hero Cde John Mafa was buried at his Toffin Farm in Chegutu with full military honours in recognition of his contribution to the attainment of Zimbabwe’s Independence.Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Khaya Moyo said Cde Mafa’s death had robbed the revolutionary party of a stalwart and an unflinching, principled revolutionary.
“He was humble and unassuming leader who fully subscribed to unity, peace and development. He knew no tribe, no tribe, no region and no race. He was a complete person.
“The declaration of liberation war hero’s status on him is not misplaced. He earned it as he served his party and country with admirable tenacity. We will miss his wisdom and exemplary leadership. May his soul anchor and rest in eternal peace. Go well the son of the soil,” Ambassador Moyo said.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman, Cde Temba Mliswa, took the occasion to lambast the provincial leadership saying it erred when it suspended Cde Mafa after he instituted a land audit that unearthed shady deals involving some white farmers.
“If the truth be told, Cde Mafa deserved better than to be suspended for frivolous reasons when in fact some leaders were against the land audit I was tasked to undertake as secretary for lands then which fingered some senior party officials for working with some whites,” he said.
Addressing the same gathering politburo member, Cde Patrick Zhuwao, said some politicians went overboard in inflicting sadistic pain on others saying Cde Mafa was haunted by such elements.
“Cde Mafa was suspended and subsequently a vote of no confidence was passed against him by the province but we were later advised against the decision by Cde SK Moyo who said it was un-procedural.
“We were later told that if there is a problem Cde Mafa should see out his term,” he said.
Cde Mafa (61) died on Saturday at around 2am at a private surgery in Chegutu after developing cardiac complications. Born on January 7, 1953, Cde Mafa was a war collaborator for the Zipra forces that operated from northern parts of the country before being employed by Zapu after Independence.
From 1971-75, he was the ANC youth secretary before rising to be the Zapu youth chairman from 1976 to 1977.
He rose through the ranks to become party provincial organising secretary before he left for Zambia and upon his return in 1980 he was elected into the Zapu central committee until 1984.
After the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987 he was co-opted into provincial taskforce to oversee integration.
He is survived by a wife, eight children and 11 grandchildren.