News of the South HARARE – Self exiled former Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Professor Jonathan Moyo, has pleaded with the Zimbabwe government to allow mourners travelling to Oliver Mtukudzi’s burial free passage through toll gates.
Moyo said the tollgate waiver could be one way of honouring Oliver Mtukudzi who died this Wednesday after a long battle with diabetes.
In a message directed to deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Moyo said: “Adv Fortune Chasi nematambudziko aTuku. “Folks like my friends going Dande to Madziva to honour the departed national hero (Mtukudzi) on Sunday request from your Ministry a special dispensation for a tollgate waiver on the route. It would be a gesture most appropriate & much appreciated!”
Advocate Chasi responded that this was a reasonable gesture.
“I don’t think it’s an unreasonable suggestion at all. ZINARA should consider it,” Chasi concurred.
The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) manages the country’s tollgates. It is under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development.
He added: “Apart from the long queues to arise from the Eskbank Tollgate it would be a sign of honor.”
The deputy Minister could however not be drawn into stating expressly whether the request would be taken up by government.
“Thank you Honourable Chasi. Your listening disposition, rational approach and common decency are humbling. The matter is left in your hands. The ancestors will appreciate the gesture in honour of an exceptional national hero and global icon,” Moyo said.
Oliver Mtukudzi, who died on January 23 at the age of 66, was a great cultural ambassador for Zimbabwe. Known to his fans as Tuku, he was a cultural icon for the southern African country.
His aura and presence had a global resonance with fans around the world, yet the man remained humble and magnanimous.
He was also a businessperson, activist, philanthropist and a goodwill ambassador for Unicef in the southern African region. But it was his innovative music that made him deeply loved.
Dubbed “Tuku music”, it was a blend of southern African music traditions, including mbira, mbaqanga, jit and the traditional drumming styles of the Korekore.
The Tuku burial is set for Madziva, Bindura tomorrow at 2pm.
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