Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE Mushore family has paid heartfelt tribute to the late national hero, Cde Luke Mushore, describing him as a pillar of strength, a father figure, and a unifying force whose presence held the family together.
Cde Mushore, who passed away on June 13, at the age of 76, was remembered with deep affection and reverence by his children, relatives, and colleagues during a family memorial gathering held at his rural homestead in Centenary.
“I feel saddened by the loss of my father. He was an umbrella that provided a shade for all of us. My father was an upright man, a unifying force, he united us and wanted us to have love,” his son, Rodrick Mushore said.
Echoing the sentiments, Wellence Mushore, one of his daughters, remembered the late national hero as kind-hearted and patient with his family.
“My father had a large family of 21 children and about 60 grandchildren and friends and family. He was a unifier and kind-hearted. When it came to his family, he never got angry. All of his daughters are married, but he used to say if you are deeply wronged in your marriage, you can always come back home and stay.”
Admire Mushore, another of Cde Mushore’s sons, highlighted the late hero’s commitment to national service and patriotic education.
“As we grew up, three-quarters of the men here were told to go for national service so that they would know the history of this country like he did. Even the women went to national service and up to now, we all follow the ideology of the ruling party,” he said.
Cleopas Mushore, a young brother to Cde Mushore thanked the government for the national hero status bestowed on the veteran politician.
“I thank President Mnangagwa for the job he has done and honouring us. We expect every challenge that we were facing to be resolved,” he said.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Christopher Magomo urged the people of Mashonaland Central province to converge at the national heroes acre in their numbers for a befitting send off on Monday.
“The government has availed 14 buses to the province and some will be used in this district. We urge the people of Mashonaland Central province to come in large numbers so that we give Cde Joboringo a befitting send-off,” Honourable Magomo stated.
Cde Mushore’s body has since been taken from his farm in Centenary to Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare ahead of burial at the National Heroes Acre this Monday.
