News / National
Nemashakwe dies
02 Jun 2025 at 16:21hrs | Views
Veteran educationist and traditional leader Chief Nemashakwe of Gutu, Clanous Devera Chirikure, has passed away at the age of 108.
Chirikure died on May 14 at Mvurwi Hospital in Mashonaland Central Province and was laid to rest at Chirikure Village in Nemashakwe on May 18. His death was confirmed by his eldest son, acclaimed poet and author Chirikure Chirikure, in a statement to the Masvingo Mirror.
Chief Chirikure was a revered figure in Zimbabwe's education sector, having served as a teacher and school head for decades, primarily in Gutu District. He retired from active service in 1992.
Born in 1917 in Mushayavanhu, Chirikure overcame significant hardships in his early life. Following the death of his father, the family lost all their belongings to relatives, and young Chirikure had to work as a herd boy to fund his education. Despite the challenges, he persevered, beginning his formal education at Sengai School and later attending Silveira Mission. He completed Standard 6 in 1944 and went on to study at Goromonzi Government School, finishing his Ordinary Levels in 1951.
He trained as a teacher at Waddilove Institute in Marondera and began his teaching career as early as 1945. He formally joined the teaching profession in 1954 at Alheit Mission and rose to become the headmaster at Chitsa Primary the following year. After 14 years at Chitsa, he held leadership roles at Charumbira, Domborenhikiti in Nyazvidzi, and later Vhunjere Primary School. At Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, he was appointed head of both Vhunjere Primary and Nemashakwe Secondary.
In 2009, Chirikure was appointed Headman Nemashakwe and was later installed as substantive Chief Nemashakwe in 2022.
He married his wife, Svodesai Chirikure, in 1960 while serving at Chitsa. Together, they raised seven biological children—four sons and three daughters—and looked after a total of 23 children. He is survived by his wife, seven children, 22 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Chief Chirikure belonged to the Gumbo totem and was widely respected both for his contributions to education and his wisdom as a traditional leader.
He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, service, and dedication to both his community and country.
Chirikure died on May 14 at Mvurwi Hospital in Mashonaland Central Province and was laid to rest at Chirikure Village in Nemashakwe on May 18. His death was confirmed by his eldest son, acclaimed poet and author Chirikure Chirikure, in a statement to the Masvingo Mirror.
Chief Chirikure was a revered figure in Zimbabwe's education sector, having served as a teacher and school head for decades, primarily in Gutu District. He retired from active service in 1992.
Born in 1917 in Mushayavanhu, Chirikure overcame significant hardships in his early life. Following the death of his father, the family lost all their belongings to relatives, and young Chirikure had to work as a herd boy to fund his education. Despite the challenges, he persevered, beginning his formal education at Sengai School and later attending Silveira Mission. He completed Standard 6 in 1944 and went on to study at Goromonzi Government School, finishing his Ordinary Levels in 1951.
In 2009, Chirikure was appointed Headman Nemashakwe and was later installed as substantive Chief Nemashakwe in 2022.
He married his wife, Svodesai Chirikure, in 1960 while serving at Chitsa. Together, they raised seven biological children—four sons and three daughters—and looked after a total of 23 children. He is survived by his wife, seven children, 22 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Chief Chirikure belonged to the Gumbo totem and was widely respected both for his contributions to education and his wisdom as a traditional leader.
He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, service, and dedication to both his community and country.
Source - Mirror
