MILLICENT HUNGWE
CHIVI–Masvingo Province’s veteran educationist and politician, Phillip Dunira Hungwe will be laid to rest on Monday at his homestead in Chivi.
He was 86.
PD as he was popularly known in Chivi died on Thursday night at home in Marimba, Harare after being discharged from hospital for home based care.
He was the younger brother to Josaya Dunira Hungwe, Zanu PF Council of Elders member and former Masvingo Governor and Resident Minister.
Hungwe, affectionately known as “Skeneri” in ZANU PF circles, will be laid to rest on Monday at his Bvute homestead in Chivi District.
Zanu PF Masvingo Province chairman Rabson Mavhenyengwa said they have lost a loyal party cadre and advisor and they are going to appeal to the President for PD to get recognition.
“We are in pain as a party, he was one of the longest serving councillors in the country, loyal party cadre and mentor. We will definitely miss him, it is a painful loss, Hungwe worked for the party for a long time and the void he left will be very difficult to fill.
“As a party we are going to write to the higher offices for Hungwe to get some recognition as soon as we get the papers from the family,” said Mavhenyengwa.
Hungwe dedicated his life to public service, both in education and politics.
A career teacher by profession, Hungwe began his service in 1966 and rose through the ranks to become Head Grade 1 and eventually District Education Officer (DEO) for Chivi Central before retiring in 2004.
He obtained his Primary Teacher’s Certificate from Gutu Mission in 1965 and completed his O’Level at Uravi Secondary School.
Hungwe’s political journey was equally distinguished.
He became actively involved in the liberation struggle as Denga Base Secretary for Ward 8 from 1977 to 1979.
After independence, he held various key positions in ZANU PF, including Secretary for Rusununguko District (1980–1984), Chairperson for the same district (1985), and Secretary for Education for the party in Masvingo Province (2000–2004).
He served as Ward 1 Councillor for Chivi in both appointed and elected capacities from 2002 until 2023, leaving behind an enduring legacy of development and servant leadership.
Among his notable contributions were the rehabilitation of the Vuranda Sub-Registration Office, the construction of a bridge over the Musakomi River, rehabilitation of the Madzivadondo to Matekaire Road (22 km), and repairs to Vembe Dam and Vembe Bridge, providing access to Badza Primary School.
Councillor Hungwe was also a strong advocate for community health and education, influencing every household in Ward 1 to construct toilets and supporting girl-friendly initiatives in schools.
He frequently donated food to bereaved families and contributed a shed to Gwamakunguvo High School to shelter 100 bicycles.
In recognition of his leadership skills, the school awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation in 2015.
He resided at Gwamakunguvo High School and was a devout member of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ).
