Harare — Zanu-PF's secretary for the commissariat in Manicaland, Cde Michael Nyamutata (52), who drowned in a dam at his Mutasa farm recently, was declared a liberation war hero and buried at the provincial heroes' acre last week.

In his graveside speech, Manicaland Governor and Resident Minister Christopher Mushohwe said the Nyamutata family should take solace from the fact that this was a national loss.

"Many across the province and the nation share your grief as we mourn him today. I sincerely hope that you will continue being guided by his principles of hard work, unity, peace and development.

"We ask the Almighty God to glorify you with all the hope and strength necessary to resist the demands and pressures associated with this dark hour of bereavement," he said.

Also addressing mourners, Zanu-PF secretary for administration and family friend Cde Didymus Mutasa urged Zimbabweans to emulate the provincial hero's life.

"As we mourn the departed comrade, we must never forget to celebrate the legacy of humility, hard work and truthfulness he leaves behind.

"I knew Cde Nyamutata from way back. He was indeed my close friend and will greatly miss his advice and assistance," Cde Mutasa said.

Cde Nyamutata, whose Chimurenga name was Mike Zvanyanya, hailed from Chidawanyika Village.

He did his primary education at Stapleford Forestry Commission School before enrolling at St Augustine's Mission. His political activism saw him being expelled from school in 1973 while in Form Three.

In Zanu-PF and the Zimbabwe National War Veterans' Association, Cde Nyamutata held the positions of provincial war veterans' information and publicity secretary, party secretary for education, and secretary for health and child welfare among others.

Zanu-PF provincial chairman Cde Mike Madiro, Central Committee members Cdes Enock Porusingazi, Ellen Gwaradzimba, Mandiitawepi Chimene, Judith Mawire, Jesca Chidza, and Chief Mutasa were part of the crowd present at the Provincial Heroes' Acre for the burial.