By Political Reporter

Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba has today succumbed to COVID-19. She was 60.

Confirming the passing of Minister Gwaradzimba today, the Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation and Zanu PF Central Committee member for Mutare District, Cde Tinoda Machakaire, said the country has been robbed of a hardworking and dedicated cadre.

“It is with a very sad heart that I inform you of the passing on of the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs. My sincerest condolences to the Gwaradzimba and the entire Manicaland province  on the untimely passing on of Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba.

“She succumbed to COVID-19. We have been robbed once again of a hardworking and dedicated cadre. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” wrote Cde Machakaire on Facebook.

The late Dr Gwaradzimba was a war veteran who joined the liberation struggle at the young age of 16 and got her military training in Tanzania at Nachingwea Military Academy before her deployment to Gaza Province. She later served as secretary to Cde William Ndangana and the late Cde Kumbirai Kangai.

Dr Gwaradzimba was a holder of a doctorate in Education, a Master’s degree and Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education respectively.

She has been active in politics and she served as ZANU PF’s Manicaland Province Women’s League Chairperson from 2000 to 2009 and was later elected Central Committee member.

Dr Gwaradzimba also served on different boards that include Manicaland Development Association, Zimpapers, Forestry Commission, Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Board and GMB.

She becomes the second Minister to succumb to Covid 19 following the death of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Minister, Air Chief Marshall (rtd) Perrence Shiri who passed away last year in June.