Story by Peter Chivhima
A church service for national hero, Cde Justin Mupamhanga has been held in Harare, with congregants reflecting on the legacy of humility left behind by the late former Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
Earlier this Sunday, congregants gathered at the Innercity United Methodist Church in Harare’s Central Business District for a church service for the late national hero.
Afterwards, Cde Mupamhanga’s body was taken to Mabelreign United Methodist Church for another church service.
The national hero’s churchmate, Dr Ben Rafemoyo said, “Cde Mupamhanga was a God-fearing man and the church has lost a man who loved God wholeheartedly. He made significant contributions to the functioning of the United Methodist Church.”
“Cde Mupamhanga was a humble and peace-loving man who did a lot for the United Methodist Church. As we are speaking, there is a church which is being buit in Murombedzi which he spearheaded,” added another churchmate, Mr Denias Zaranyika.
The services were presided over by Major (Retired) Anesu Katsande Dhoro, Superintendent of the Harare West District of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church, who testified that Cde Mupamhanga was instrumental in the church’s growth, particularly in infrastructure development.
“As the church, we have lost a man who was instrumental in the functioning of the United Methodist Church, of note in Mt. Darwin, Mashonaland Central province, where he served as one of the foundational pillars of the project. He did a lot for the church and the nation at large. We say go well Cde Mupamhanga, till we meet again,” Superintendent Dhoro said.
The service was also attended by his colleagues, former workmates and government officials.
Cde Mupamhanga, who passed away on the 22nd of this month, played a pivotal role in the liberation and development of Zimbabwe.
After the church service, the national hero’s body was taken to his home in Harare, where it will lie in state ahead of burial at the National Heroes Acre on Monday.
