Roseline Mutare
Prominent Chivi cotton farmer and community leader Julius Makusha popularly known as Chiremba was laid to rest at his homestead in Musorowegomo under Chief Madangombe.
Hundreds of relatives, friends and neighbours thronged the Chiremba homestead on Monday last week to pay their final respects to a man who surprised many throughout Chivi district and beyond as a cotton farmer who broke many records in an arid region.
Chiremba’s eldest son who is Shakashe Primary School head Leonard Julius told The Midweek Watch that his father died on Easter Saturday, April 19, at the age of 83.
He said his father died at around 4am at The Royal Southern Medical Chambers run by the Deputy Provincial Medical Director, Dr. Kudzai Masinire.
Chiremba was a devoted member of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church, and his burial service was conducted by the President of the Central Zimbabwe Conference of SDA, Pastor Ndebele.
As a farmer, Chiremba played a pivotal role in his community as he would supervise and encourage other villagers to work hard in order to produce more despite Chivi being in the natural region 5 which is prone to frequent droughts.
Because of his exceptional leadership qualities and focus he was elected the chairperson of cotton sector under the powerful Zimbabwe Farmers Union for a very long time.
“His legacy will be remembered by his family, community, and the many lives he touched as a christian and community leader. He was very humble and would treat everyone the same without any prejudice irrespective of their political or religious affiliation. The void he has left will be very difficult to fill as no one is capable of fitting in his big shoes of love and integrity,” said Julius.
The burial was attended by Chiremba’s inlaws who included the Mnangwas, Mukungunugwa family members, former MDC Chitungwiza Senator James Makore, Shurugwi North MP Joseph Mupasi, Chivi ward 11 councillor Jaka, and several school heads from across Masvingo Province.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president who is also AFC board member, Shadreck Phinias Muriva Makombe also attended the funeral.
Chivi North legislator Godfrey Huruva Mukungunugwa described Chiremba as a forthright person who disliked laziness and was focused on development and maintaining unity in the community.
“We have lost a pillar of the family and community, Chiremba had no second thoughts when it came to developing the area, he was so passionate about development, we are proud to be associated with such a respected person in the community,” said Mukungunugwa.
Ward 2 Councillor Enos Chigombe aslo spoke glowingly about the late Chiremba.
“Chiremba was a father to everyone and was full of love for his soil as he spent most of his time tilling the land.
“He wanted to see people working together for the development of the community, when he collapsed a day before he died, he was at Mugwere Dip Tank directing works there as he was the chairman, symbolising his passion for development despite deteriorating health.
“I urge everyone to continue with his legacy of love and development, he was a rare character in the community,” said Chigombe.
Chiremba is survived by 14 children and several grandchildren.
