Paul Nyathi

THE late former MDC MP for Luveve Constituency in Bulawayo Esaph Mdlongwa, who was also father to South Africa based legendary music producer Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa who died last Wednesday evening at Mater Dei Hospital due to Covid-19 related complications was yesterday laid to rest at Luveve Cemetery in the City.

He was 78.

The burial, which was restricted to close family members was historic as it brought together the two splinter MDC parties presidents Dr Thokozani Khupe and Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

Mdlongwa who was the founding organising secretary of the MDC, was buried in accordance with the WHO guidelines on Covid-19.

Mdlongwa was elected as part of the first leadership of the opposition party in 1999- before its initial split in 2005- together with the late Mr Morgan Tsvangirai (president), the late Mr Gibson Sibanda (vice president), Professor Welshman Ncube (secretary general), Mr Gift Chimanikire (deputy secretary general), the late Mr Isaac Matongo (chairman), the late Mr Fletcher Dulini Ncube (treasurer general), Mrs Lucia Matibenga (women’s assembly), the late Learnmore Jongwe (spokesman) and Mr Nelson Chamisa (youth assembly).

He was elected as the MP for Luveve in the 2000 general election.

Both Thokozani Khupe and Chamisa were given an opportunity to address the gathering with Khupe being given a chance to address the main service at the Amphitheatre in the City Centre and Chamisa being given an opportunity to speak at the grave site.

Watch video downloading below as Khupe addresses the mourners.