Zanu-PF's Farai Msikavanhu dies

Zanu PF Central Committee member and former Chiredzi West legislator Farai Msikavanhu has died.

Msikavanhu (64) passed away in Harare on Wednesday morning from suspected complications following throat surgery he underwent late last year.

His death was confirmed by Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa, who said the party was deeply saddened by the loss of a senior cadre.

"We are in mourning this morning after the passing on of Farai Msikavanhu, our Central Committee member," said Mavhenyengwa. "He died in Harare where he had gone for a medical review following surgery he underwent last year.

"Zanu PF Masvingo province has been robbed of a strong and reliable cadre who was deeply committed to the party's revolutionary ideals."

Chiredzi district development coordinator Mr Lovemore Chisema also paid tribute, describing Msikavanhu as a dedicated development-oriented leader.

"I am gutted that he is no more after speaking to him on the phone yesterday," said Mr Chisema. "We have lost an agent of development in Chiredzi district."

Msikavanhu served as Member of Parliament for Chiredzi West from 2018 to 2023, during which time he was actively involved in community development initiatives.

Outside politics, he was a prominent sugarcane farmer in the Mkwasine and Triangle areas, where his company, Puwevhu Enterprises, was one of the leading cane producers and a major employer in the area.

He previously worked as Agriculture Planning Director at Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe before retiring to pursue full-time farming and politics.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.