FORMER MAT NORTH GOVERNOR, MASEKO, DIES
FORMER Governor for Matabeleland North province and Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Cuba, Retired Major-General Jevan Maseko has died. He was 70. Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko succumbed to renal failure and diabetes at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo yesterday morning. His son, Gugulethu, said his father had been in pain for a long time.
“My father died at about 7.30am today at Mater Dei Hospital. He has been battling renal failure, amyloidosis cancer and diabetes for a long time,” said Gugulethu.
“His death has robbed us of an inspirational pillar of strength in the entire Maseko family. He was a peaceful man who was kind to everyone and never shouted even when you have done him wrong.
“We have lost a backbone, a man who always saw things from the positive side. He had a good sense of humour and loved helping people.”
As the news of Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko’s death filtered through, the Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial executive led by their chairman Professor Callistus Ndlovu rushed to his home at Number 19 Kildare Road, Hillside, to console the family.
The Zanu-PF Bulawayo province yesterday held a meeting and resolved to forward a request to the Politburo for Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko to be conferred national hero status.
Prof Ndlovu described Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko as a distinguished cadre whose liberation war credentials and contributions after independence are known to everyone.
“We are certainly saddened by his death. I knew Maseko as a political activist in Mpopoma suburb in the early days of liberation struggle before he went for his military training under the Zipra camp,” said Prof Ndlovu.
“Tshangana, was his pseudonym during the liberation struggle. He was heavily involved in the fight for independence and rose through the ranks of military leadership hence he earned the title of Major General. He served as an ambassador in many countries, the last being Cuba. When he came home in 2009 he was earmarked to be ambassador to Angola wasebanjwa ngumkhuhlane (he became ill). He was an important figure in Zipra, in the Zimbabwe National Army and indeed to the entire nation.”
Politburo members, Angeline Masuku and Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu also expressed shock over Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko’s death.
“I worked closely with him when he was still a young man. He welcomed me into the Zipra training camp in Zambia. He was a humble yet intelligent and strategic man in approach. He was calm and always gave sound advice. Wayengavusi mhlonga (he was not harsh). We are shocked because two days ago he contributed a lot during our meeting at Davies Hall. He had a wealth of knowledge and was a backbone of the party,” said Cde Masuku who is also the Governor for Matabeleland South.
Dr Ndlovu said Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko was a unique leader who would be remembered by all people in Matabeleland region and the nation at large. Said Dr Ndlovu: “He has a detailed history of service to the people and his country. He served as governor. He was also an ambassador to Russia, Algeria and Cuba. He was someone who listened to the people he led.”
Zimbabwe Defence Industries chief executive officer Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube described Rtd Maj-Gen Maseko as a skilled military strategist who was loyal to the revolution. “I recruited him into the military in Zambia together with the late General Solomon Mujuru. Wafikela ezandleni zami.” herald