The Sunday Mail
Jani Nyere Kutama
President Mugabe’s mother, Ambuya Bona, and my father were pretty much like siblings because of an important figure in our lineage, Sekuru Ushewekunze, who linked them. An aunt of mine also got married to Martin Matibiri who was one of Robert’s uncles. Therefore, my relations with the Mugabe family are on two fronts.
We watched Robert grow into a focused and bright young man who took his studies seriously.
I remember that he came to bid us farewell when the opportunity to study at Fort Hare, South Africa emerged. He had set his sights on higher education, and that’s the trajectory most of us knew suited him.
One of the defining moments of his life was his stint in Ghana for he was politically-oriented when he returned home.
Ghana was like his baptism into politics, though I think he had also learnt politics from Father O’hea, the Roman Catholic priest at Kutama.
As I watched him on the political field, one thing stood out: His oratory skills. His deliveries were always eloquent and powerful, and that made many of us proud.
We always pray that he lives long because he has a strong bond with his family. He never forgets his roots, and unites the family.
I treasure what he said at his sister Bridgette’s funeral. He told mourners that he would not stop visiting Zvimba as he wanted our clan to remain united and to see him as his mother’s representative.
He remains traditional despite his enormous status as an international statesman and academic.
Robert is always in the kitchen whenever he visits Zvimba. He loves that kitchen hut which he built.
In addition, he offers advice, especially regarding livelihoods. He believes that farming is integral to ruralfolk, and that households should be commited to producing food for themselves.
President Mugabe is our treasure. He is special, an asset to the nation.
Cde Jani Nyere Kutama shared these views with The Sunday Mail’s Chief Reporter Kuda Bwititi in Zvimba on January 31, 2017
