The life of the late former student leader and senior opposition party politician, Learnmore Judah Jongwe is set to be commemorated at the end of October 2009 with the official launch of the Learnmore Jongwe Trust in Harare.
Prior to his death on 24th October 2002, Jongwe had served his nation with distinction both as a student leader with the University of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Students Union and also later as the national Youth Chairperson and Spokesperson of the Movement for Democratic Change. He was also an elected member of Parliament for the Kuwadzana constituency.
However, Jongwe’s promising career was cut short after he murdered his own wife Rutendo, in a violent domestic dispute that led to his eventual death in remand prison under unclear circumstances. Before his own death, Jongwe had regretted the tragic events of the last few weeks of his life and apologized unconditionally for taking away the life of his own wife.
According to the Learnmore Jongwe Trust interim Committee Chairpersion Pedzisai Ruhanya , the final preparations have now reached an advanced stage at the moment. It is anticipated that at least two major events will be held as follows:
1. A press conference will be held in Harare on 23rd October 2009 to brief the media and public at large on the progress made so far in the plans to set up the Learnmore Jongwe Foundation.
2. A memorial service and unveiling of tombstone ceremony will be held at his resting place in rural Zhombe. At least a bus will be hired to ferry friends and supporters to Zhombe for the event.
In the meantime, the Interim Committee is appealing to all well wishers and friends who would like to support the commemoration activities in cash or kind to get in touch with the following persons:
In Zimbabwe:
1. Pedzisai Ruhanya
Email: [email protected]
Cell: +263 912 471 670
2. Takura Zhangazha
Email: [email protected]
Cell: +263 11 618 057
Outside Zimbabwe (Diaspora)
1. Daniel Molokele
Email: [email protected]
Cell: +27 72 947 4815
2. Chalton Hwende
Email: [email protected]
Cell: +264 813 029 007
About the Learnmore Jongwe Trust
The Learnmore Jongwe Trust has the following aims and objectives
(a) To seek to quantify and preserve the contribution of the late Jongwe to the political and socio-economic development of Zimbabwe.
(b) To provide a social welfare facility for the late Jongwe’s family members.
(c) To identify and further the interests of the late Jongwe in Zhombe, Kuwadzana, Zimbabwe in general and among Youth and Student based Organisations.
(d) To provide for a central effective facility for all youth and student based organizations; which shall function as a resource base for research, debate and formulation of relevant policies and laws.
The beneficiaries of the Learnmore Jongwe Trust shall be the following:
i. The surviving dependants of the late Jongwe.
ii. The Zimbabwean youths and students in general.
iii. Zimbabwean student and youth organisations approved by the Trustees.
