Msika's widow declared national heroine

The widow of former Vice President Joseph Musika, Gogo Maria Msika, who died on Friday, has been declared a national heroine.

The national heroine status bestowed on Gogo Msika was announced by Zanu PF Politburo member and Defence Minister, Dr Sydney Sekeramayi at the Msika residence in Borrowdale, Harare this evening.

Earlier, the First Lady and Zanu PF Women's League National Secretary, Dr Grace Mugabe had requested the party to consider conferring with the national heroine status to Gogo Msika.

Speaking at the Harare International Airport soon after arrival from New York where she had accompanied President Robert Mugabe to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dr Mugabe said the late Gogo Msika contributed a lot to the struggle by supporting her husband when he was in prison and the children during the liberation struggle.

Meanwhile, relatives and those who knew Gogo Msika, have described her as a humble and loving person who loved unity and exhibited this important role even during the liberation struggle.

Her son, Mr Maxwell Taguma Msika said during the liberation struggle, her mother used to look after extended families, among them, freedom fighters.

Other family members said Gogo Msika was a God fearing woman of virtue.

The liberation struggle saw different families living together and the effort of mothers as unifiers contributed to the success of the liberation struggle.

Gogo Msika died last Friday and mourners are gathered at house number 11, Nigels Lane, Coln Valley near Borrowdale Primary School.