Story by John Nhandara
FAMILY and colleagues have described the late national hero, Cde Martin Ben Mucheche as a visionary, a pillar of strength and an empowerment champion who transformed lives.
His son, Ben Mucheche Junior, says the family is poorer without the wise guidance of their father.
“My father was a loving and caring family man who always provided for his family. He could always offer a helping hand even to extended family members in times of need,” he said.
Another relative, Dr Herbert Murerwa said the late Cde Mucheche defied all odds by establishing a thriving business empire at a time there was disenfranchisement of black people in the business sector.
“He had a thriving business when there were a lot of obstacles for black people to manoeuvre. He also assisted during the liberation struggle,” Dr Murerwa said.
The late national hero also had good relations with neighbouring farmers in Beatrice.
“He would lend us tractors when we came here in Beatrice and he also assisted us with good agronomy practice skills,” noted Mr David Rickards.
“I knew him since 1978 and he was very calm and peaceful. We worked together very well,” Marimbi Jonasi Chihota noted.
Cde Mucheche, who was also credited for grooming upcoming businesspeople through the then Indigenous Business Development Centre, where he was President held several positions that include director and chairperson of the Rural Transport Cooperative Limited.
