MDC parliamentary chief whip Prosper Mutseyami, his Zanu-PF counterpart Pupurai Togarepi, senior MDC member Innocent Gonese and the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira were among prominent politicians that came to pay their last respects.
“We lost a cadre who was humble, who attended all parliamentary sessions and committee meetings without fail. He respected everyone regardless of age or political affiliation and that’s why you see all these MPs who came. Oftentimes, you only find colleagues from the same political party coming together when this kind of misfortune occurs but it is all different this time around. He was sociable and was liked by people from all the parties,” said Togarepi.
In his remarks, Chadzamira said he hoped the person who will take over the parliamentary seat will be just as good as Gumbwanda.
“Gumbwanda was quiet and was a man of action not words. We hope God will replace him with his true replica. He was an educationist who taught and led other teachers,” said Chadzamira.
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare and Zanu-PF secretary for security in the politburo, Lovemore Matuke said Gumwanda was a hero in his own right.
“We have lost a hero who was soft and humble. In Parliament, he interacted with everyone because parliament should be one family. He proved to be a national leader and that is why you see people from different political parties mourning him,” said Matuke.
Gumbwanda, who died in Harare on June 25 after suffering from pneumonia, was born in February 15, 1952.
He did his primary education at Rudhanda Primary School before proceeding Chibi Mission High School for his secondary education.
He attended Mkoba Teachers’ College and began teaching in 1982 before retiring in 2017 after serving for many years as school head at Dabwa Primary, a school which is his home area.
From 1987-2008, he served as Zaka Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 30 councillor while maintaining his job as a school teacher. He often received praised for his ethical conduct and ability to separate politics from his professional duties.
During his tenure as councillor, Gumbwanda also served as Zanu-PF Zaka district chairperson.
He is survived with his wife, six children and many grandchildren
