Professor John Makumbe dies

By Staff Reporter

HARARE – Leading Zimbabwean political scientist Professor John Makumbe has died. Reports we are getting suggest Makumbe had a heart attack on Saturday and died the following day on Sunday in the morning.

MDC-T spokesman Douglas Mwonzora confirmed that Makumbe, who was a key member of his party, died at Arcadia Medical Centre in Harare on Sunday morning after suffering a suspected heart attack. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, and five children.

Constitutional and Parlimentary Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga also confirmed the death saying Professor Makumbe died after collapsing at his Chadcombe home in Harare. “I can confirm that Prof Makumbe has died. He collapsed around 9:30 am at his home” he said.

Minister Matinenga said Prof Makumbe had a heart problem that saw him being admitted at the Avenues Clinic recently. He said Prof Makumbe was discharged last Thursday and he was actually in high spirits.

“I saw him on Saturday and he was actually in high spirits but we did not know that God was thinking otherwise,” he said. Minister Matinenga said burial arrangements would be announced in due course.

Last year Makumbe, known for his witty and humourous commentaries, announced his decision to contest MDC-T primary elections to succeed the retiring Eric Matinenga, the current MP for Buhera West. Makumbe was even introduced to thousands of voters in the area by Matinenga.

Makumbe also addressed MDC-T supporters at the party’s 12th anniversary celebrations at Gwanzura Stadium last year and said: ‘I want to tell you all that I have now removed my academic hat and I am now openly supporting MDC-T.’

‘There is no need for primary elections. The people in Buhera say they want a white man to represent them and I have made myself available,’ he said in reference to his albinism.

Makumbe once said “There are various ways of emancipating Zimbabwe from the tyrannical system of government we have endured under ZANU PF. You can either make noise from your white castle or you can put on your boots and overalls and fight for the emancipation of the country.”

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights director Irene Petras said: “The white man from Buhera has gone too soon.”

“He was one of the few outspoken voices of conscience remaining in the academic community and a much loved member of the civil society. His wit, intellect and humour ensured that he and those around him were able to survive troubled times and remain resolute to the struggle for a better Zimbabwe.”

Journalist Farai Sevenzo said: “Makumbe was a rare act – a walking talking thinking advert against prejudice and tyranny. He had a forensic analytical mind that came with charm and a disarming sense of humour, which made the task of interviewing him never boring. A big loss.”

More details as we get them…….check back for updates