MDC founding member Fidelis Mhashu dies
By Staff Reporter
Former National Housing Minister in the 2009-2013 coalition government, Fidelis Mhashu has died. The former opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) MP for Chitungwiza North was 76.
“The MDC has learned with extreme sadness the loss of one of the founding fathers of party of excellence, Hon Fidelis Mhashu. A fearless defender and veteran fighter for human rights, Hon Mhashu passed on at Parirenyatwa Hospital on Monday night,” the party said in a statement.
Mr Mhashu died on Monday night at Parirenyatwa Hospital after suffering a stroke and for some time had heart-related problems. His widow Monica confirmed the death.
“Yes, my husband passed on, on Monday night around 7pm at Parirenyatwa Hospital. He suffered a stroke in 2014 and since then he never fully recovered. He was also now having some heart problems.
“We are deeply hurt and it’s a major blow to us as a family because he was a loving and caring father. He was a unifier and generally a man of the people,” she said.
Incoming MDC Alliance MP for Zengeza West Job Sikhala on Tuesday paid tribute to Mhashu saying “It is sad ladies and gentlemen that God has finally did what he thought. Our mentor and godfather Fidelis Mhashu is no more. He passed on last night.”
Former Zengeza MP Tafadzwa Musekiwa also paid tribute to Mhashu as a mentor and godfather.
“He was my mentor, my godfather. From the days of the independent movement during the days of Kempton Makamure and Margaret Dongo, he never stopped campaigning for what’s right for the people of Zimbabwe.
“He almost died when he was assaulted whilst still a lecturer at Seke Teachers College whilst fighting against Macheka to be Mayor of Chitungwiza but he soldiered on till he passed on. He is one guy who brought me into mainstream politics and for that, I will forever be grateful.”
“Mdara Mhashu, as he was affectionately known as taught me two things which I will never forget. Firstly, he told me never forget the journey and never forget the people (whether still with us or not) who have contributed to this journey no matter what happens in the future.
“Secondly he taught me to always use a measured and sober non emotional approach to all problems that I faced in politics. This probably forms my Dovish instead of Hawkish way of my decision making to this day. MHSRIP, Musekiwa wrote in a tribute sent to Nehanda Radio.
Mhashu, a veteran politician in the opposition movement and a former lecturer at Seke Teachers’ College, is survived by his wife, Monica, four children and nine grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at House No. 2317 Unit B, Seke, Chitungwiza. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course. Nehanda Radio
