AUDREY MASHINGAIDZE
MIRROR REPORTER

BIKITA – Sekuru Benjamin Runesu Shonhai, father to Acting Masvingo City Town Clerk Vitalis Shonhai who succumbed to chest pains last Saturday was buried at his homestead in Chiremwaremwa Village, Chief Mabika in Bikita on Tuesday.
He was 100.
Sekuru Shonhai who was a devout Catholic breathed his last at 24 Hour Medical Centre in Zimre Park, Masvingo.
Vitalis said his father was one of the brick layers during the construction of the church’s St Peter and Paul Cathedral in Masvingo CBD and he also tied wedded his wife, Mbuya Beatrice Makonese (95) in the cathedral in 1952.
“My father was one of the volunteers who worked as brick layers during the construction of St Peter and Pauls’ Cathedral. He also wedded our mother in the same cathedral in 1952 and they were blessed with 10 children,” he said. The burial was attended by hundreds including Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe, councillors and family members.
Vitalis said Sekuru Shonhai had been unwell for some time. He described him as a fighter, unifier and progressive.
“We are pained by his passing but when God’s time is here no one can deny it. He had been ill for some time and he succumbed to chest pains last Saturday at the 24 Hr Clinic in Zimre Park. My father was educative, compassionate and he taught us many good things. I’m sure many couldn’t come but they would have testified about his goodness.
“My father helped the community in any way he could including assisting in educating people, whether they were family or anyone in the community. He was also a devoted centenarian all his life. He helped build St Peters and Paul’s Cathedral. He was fresh from school and volunteered with others. We have lost a great soul,” he said
Sekuru Shonhai was born into a family of three in 1922.
He attended Zimuto Primary and Gokomere High schools before proceeding to Domboshava Training Centre where he trained as a farm advisor.
Sekuru Shonhai was a successful entrepreneur with several business interest at Chiremwaremwa Business Center.