Vice-President Joice Mujuru has urged Defence Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi to seek comfort from relatives and friends following the death of his son, Shungu, in a road traffic accident in May.
Speaking at Shungu’s memorial service in Harare yesterday, she said Minister Sekeramayi was shaken by the death, something that was evident during Cabinet meetings.
“When you come to Cabinet we can see how you have changed. Please don’t do that. We know you better. I have grown up with you. Please, we have all gone through the same, if not worse. At times the load becomes unbearable, but God teaches us that sometimes we question his decisions.
“Often we ask why God allows bad things to happen to us. Today I will tell you I come from a family of 12. As I speak, there are only three of us left, but my mother is still alive. Old as she is, she is still kicking.
“Four years ago, she fell and broke her hip. After taking her to hospital I asked the doctor whether he wanted to operate on her and he told me that an operation would kill her.
She added: “Today, she is walking without a walking stick. But she’s a mother who has lost nine kids. You cannot tell God when and who to take.
“You cannot say let me go on behalf of my child or on behalf of my husband. We came as Government to console you. We all have left our personal problem back home.
“We will face them when we get back, but today we are here to console you. The Bible teaches us that we will meet again with our deceased friends and relatives and indeed we shall meet again, but for now let focus on the living. No one can tell you why God did it this time.
“Find from the bible. It will give us rest. Even when we find it hard, we will find comfort from it.”
At the same event, Dr Sekeramayi said it was difficult to come to terms with the loss.
“It is not easy to lose a child, relative, mother or father. It is very difficult, but I thank God for the 28 years he allowed us to enjoy together.
“He had become a colleague. I miss him very much but there is nothing I can do. God gives and God takes away as well.” Shungu died along Karoi Road on May 18 this year. Sunday Mail
