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Simba Makoni laughs off rumours of his death
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Former Finance Minister and Zanu-PF politburo member Simba Makoni has laughed off rumours of his death, which flooded social media yesterday. The former Sadc executive secretary was quick to dismiss the claims, saying he is alive, healthy, and very much active.
Speaking from his farm in Headlands, Makoni expressed disbelief at the false reports, saying, "As you can tell, I am very much alive. The key message is you have called me and talked to me. I do not know where that rumour started from, but I am now living in the rural areas and I am very healthy."
Muchadeyi Masunda, the chairperson of the AMH advisory board of trustees, confirmed he had personally contacted Makoni to verify the claims. "I had to telephone and speak to Dr Makoni himself. I am pleased to confirm that he is alive and well. As it turns out, the 'Simba Makoni' who passed away is the younger brother to Steve 'Dhongi' Makoni, the musician who made a name for himself through his popular songs like 'Sabhuku Nedhongi,' 'Zvachonyana,' and 'Chakafukidza Dzimba Matenga,'" Masunda clarified.
Simba Makoni, who became the country's agriculture deputy minister at the age of 30 in 1980 under late former President Robert Mugabe, has held various high-profile positions throughout his career. In addition to his roles in Zimbabwe's government, Makoni also served as the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) executive secretary from 1983 to 1993.
Makoni notably challenged Robert Mugabe in the 2008 presidential elections, a move that garnered significant attention.
Speaking from his farm in Headlands, Makoni expressed disbelief at the false reports, saying, "As you can tell, I am very much alive. The key message is you have called me and talked to me. I do not know where that rumour started from, but I am now living in the rural areas and I am very healthy."
Muchadeyi Masunda, the chairperson of the AMH advisory board of trustees, confirmed he had personally contacted Makoni to verify the claims. "I had to telephone and speak to Dr Makoni himself. I am pleased to confirm that he is alive and well. As it turns out, the 'Simba Makoni' who passed away is the younger brother to Steve 'Dhongi' Makoni, the musician who made a name for himself through his popular songs like 'Sabhuku Nedhongi,' 'Zvachonyana,' and 'Chakafukidza Dzimba Matenga,'" Masunda clarified.
Simba Makoni, who became the country's agriculture deputy minister at the age of 30 in 1980 under late former President Robert Mugabe, has held various high-profile positions throughout his career. In addition to his roles in Zimbabwe's government, Makoni also served as the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) executive secretary from 1983 to 1993.
Makoni notably challenged Robert Mugabe in the 2008 presidential elections, a move that garnered significant attention.
Source - newsday
