Own Correspondent|THE founding Vice Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Professor Phineas Makhurane has been laid to rest at his rural home in Gungwe, Gwanda South.

Professor Makhurane passed on last Saturday at Mater Dei Hospital and was declared a national hero.

The late national hero was described as an academic giant who has left a legacy of service to the nation.

ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa who was represented by the Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo paid tribute to Professor Makhurane for devoting his life towards the cause of education which went beyond the country’s borders.

He said it is Professor Makhurane’s wonderful works which saw the Politburo according him a national hero status making his burial the first state funeral in Matabeleland South Province.

Academics were urged to follow in Professor Makhurane’s footsteps through ploughing back to the nation.

Mnangagwa spoke for many when he thanked the family and community of Gungwe for producing a jewel whose legacy will forever be cherished.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Khaya Moyo who was accompanied by Evelyn Ndlovu, the Minister of State in Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga’s office, Zanu PF secretary for War Veterans and Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Victor Matemadanda and the ZANU-PF Secretary for Youth Affairs Lewis Mathuthu led mourners in the body viewing ceremony.

Professor Makhurane’s son Lesedi described his father as a humble and simple man who championed for the education of the black majority while friends also spoke glowingly of Professor Makhurane saying his wisdom will be greatly missed.

Professor Makhurane who was born on the 13th of January 1939 in the Gungwe area of Gwanda, is survived by wife Lydia, a daughter and three sons.