Emmerson Mnangagwa has described the passing on of Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Ellen Gwaradzimba as a heavy blow to the nation’s thrust of grassroot development.

In a condolence message, Mnangagwa said the said he learnt with great shock and sadness the passing on of Dr Gwaradzimba whom she described as an educationist par excellence whose thirst for development was highly commendable.

“A freedom fighter, long time educationist and passionate advocate for devolved development the late Senator Gwaradzimba will be remembered for her role in wartime educational programmes,

“The country has thus lost a promising cadre who pushed for grassroot development with extraordinary fervency,” said Mnangagwa.

The President also described the late’s leadership qualities as admirable especially considering the role she played when Manicaland was hit by the devastating Cyclone Idai.

“Gwaradzimba exhibited admirable leadership qualities when Manicaland was hit Cyclone Idai. At the time of her demise she was working on a masterplan designed to make the whole province less vulnerable to disasters,” he added.

He also urged the Gwaradzimba family and nation at large to take solace in the fact that Dr Gwaradzimba contributed immensely to the history of Zimbabwe.

“On behalf of ZANU PF, Government, my family and my own behalf,I wish to express my deepest condolences to the Gwaradzimba family especially the children of the departed to take solace from her outstanding place in the history of our country both before and after independence,” he said.

-State Media