News / Local
'Jevan Maseko must be declared a national hero'
22 May 2013 at 03:28hrs | Views
THE Zanu-PF Bulawayo province has requested that former Matabeleland North Governor and diplomat, Retired Major-General Jevan Maseko who died in Bulawayo on Monday be accorded national hero status.
Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko succumbed to renal failure, amyloidosis cancer and diabetes at Mater Dei Hospital at the age of 70.
Provincial party spokesperson Michael Sikhosana yesterday said they held a meeting Monday evening where they agreed that they approach the Politburo over Maj-Gen Maseko's status.
"The provincial executive held a meeting Monday evening and unanimously resolved to request the senior leadership to bestow Retired Major-General Maseko a national hero status in honour of his contribution to the liberation struggle and after independence.
"He was one of the distinguished Zipra cadres who served the country faithfully in the army and in Government. All his duties were at national level hence the request for such a befitting status.
"We hope the senior leadership would consider our request when the Politburo meets tomorrow," said Cde Sikhosana.
Zapu leader and former Zipra head of intelligence Dr Dumiso Dabengwa described Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko as a reliable leader who demonstrated loyalty and skill in the discharge of his duties.
"He was one of the key Zipra cadres together with the likes of Retired Colonel Richard Dube and the late Nikita Mangena.
"Theirs was a strong group of young man we trained and they made a big difference in Zipra," said Dr Dabengwa.
Rtd Col Dube, who said he first knew Maseko in 1968, described him as a man who displayed unparalleled leadership qualities and applauded his humble demeanour.
Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko was born on January 11943 at Hope Fountain on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko's wife, Thandiwe died in 2007 and he is survived by two children.
Burial arrangements are yet to be announced.
Mourners are gathered at Number 19 Kildare Road, Hillside.
Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko succumbed to renal failure, amyloidosis cancer and diabetes at Mater Dei Hospital at the age of 70.
Provincial party spokesperson Michael Sikhosana yesterday said they held a meeting Monday evening where they agreed that they approach the Politburo over Maj-Gen Maseko's status.
"The provincial executive held a meeting Monday evening and unanimously resolved to request the senior leadership to bestow Retired Major-General Maseko a national hero status in honour of his contribution to the liberation struggle and after independence.
"He was one of the distinguished Zipra cadres who served the country faithfully in the army and in Government. All his duties were at national level hence the request for such a befitting status.
"We hope the senior leadership would consider our request when the Politburo meets tomorrow," said Cde Sikhosana.
Zapu leader and former Zipra head of intelligence Dr Dumiso Dabengwa described Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko as a reliable leader who demonstrated loyalty and skill in the discharge of his duties.
"Theirs was a strong group of young man we trained and they made a big difference in Zipra," said Dr Dabengwa.
Rtd Col Dube, who said he first knew Maseko in 1968, described him as a man who displayed unparalleled leadership qualities and applauded his humble demeanour.
Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko was born on January 11943 at Hope Fountain on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko's wife, Thandiwe died in 2007 and he is survived by two children.
Burial arrangements are yet to be announced.
Mourners are gathered at Number 19 Kildare Road, Hillside.
Source - herald
