FIGHTING Zanu-PF factions yesterday buried their differences to give Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo’s daughter, Zanele Naledi Ntombizodwa, a big send off similar to one accorded to VIPs.

Zanele, who was buried at Glen Forest cemetery in Harare, died in Cape Town, South Africa under mysterious circumstances and her father is disputing the date of death stated on her death certificate.

Zanu-PF leaders, often in the news for their battles and from distinct camps in the ruling party, set aside their differences, as they buried Zanele.

Among those who attended the funeral were Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi, Zanu-PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo, Water minister Oppah Muchinguri, Labour Minister Prisca Mupfumira, Youth minister Patrick Zhuwao, Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere among other party officials.

The officials are linked to distinct camps in Zanu-PF, reportedly fighting to succeed President Robert Mugabe. Some were reportedly aligned to Generation 40 (G40), while others are linked to a camp reportedly loyal to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who also consoled Moyo and his family on Thursday.

During the funeral, Zanu-PF officials, who often clash in public and on social media, could be seen hugging and consoling each other.

Muchinguri, who was reportedly fighting the G40 group, comprising mostly of so called Young Turks in the party, walked in towards the end of a sermon and hugged the wife of former party national commissar, Webster Shamu, Constance. He also had a long chat with the former Information and Communication Technology minister.

Shortly after, Kasukuwere arrived and hugged Muchinguri and greeted the Shamus before taking them into the house and to where Moyo was seated.
Muchinguri gave Moyo a hug and consoled the minister before engaging other mourners.

Other officials who have fallen out of favour with the party during the purging of allies linked to former Vice President Joice Mujuru including Mbare MP Tendai Savanhu and Midlands provincial Affairs minister Jason Machaya also attended together with former minister Olivia Muchena.

The Mbare Chimurenga choir also was in attendance to provide music to the mourners.

Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander Constantine Chiwenga also spoke during the funeral while fellow service chiefs, Paradzai Zimondi of the Zimbabwe Prison Services and Air MarshalPerrance Shiri were also present.

Zanele was given asend-off similar to those given to liberation heroes. ZDF Chaplain General, Colonel Joseph Nyakudya said the laying of wreaths would be done just like at burials of senior government officials.

“We have a procedure when laying wreaths that are coming from a higher office; we will follow procedures we do when burying a senior government official and that is what we will use,” he said.

Moyo was the first to lay a wreath followed by his wife Beatrice.

President Robert Mugabe’s wreath was laid by Sekeramayi with minister of Small to Medium Enterprises Development, Stembiso Nyoni laying Grace’s.

Mnangagwa’s wrath was to laid by Kasukuwere and VP Phelekezela Mphoko’s wreath was laid by State Security minister Kembo Mohadi.

Mugabe’s youngest son Bellarmine Chatunga represented and laid wreaths for himself, brother Robert jnir, sister Bona and her husband Simba Chikore.

In his graveside speech, Moyo thanked colleagues in Cabinet and government for supporting him during what he described as a toughtime.

Zanele’s mother Beatrice Moyo also spoke about Zanele’s love for politics, Zanu-PF in particular and how she would put on T-shirts of the ruling party even at the University of Cape Town.

“She was never shy of her political affiliation. She loved party T-shirts and one day I went to her school and as some students were passing, they did not want to be associated and spoke in Shona to which she asked what their problems was since they should be proud to be Zimbabweans,” said Beatrice.

Moyo said he last saw Zanele on July 19 the day she departed for Cape Town and described October as “cruel beyond description” especially as it was the month his eldest daughter wedded last year and that Zanele’s death had switched off lights to what was to be a month of celebrating.

He said her daughter was snatched away from him in the most tragic manner.
Source: newsday