President Mnangagwa Grants State-Assisted Funeral to Former MDC Alliance Senator Lilian Timveous
President Mnangagwa’s Tribute to Lilian Timveous
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended his condolences to the family of Lilian Timveous, the former MDC Alliance Deputy Treasurer-General and Midlands Senator, who passed away after a brief illness. Timveous, who made headlines by joining ZANU-PF in 2021 after years with the opposition, will be honored with a state-assisted funeral as recognition of her contributions to the nation and her commitment to ZANU-PF.
Despite being abroad in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, President Mnangagwa took time to express his sadness at the loss of Timveous, noting the void her death has left in Zimbabwe’s political landscape. In his message, the President lauded her commitment and service, recognizing her as a patriotic Zimbabwean who bravely exercised her democratic right to realign with ZANU-PF.
Legacy of a Political Patriot
Timveous’s defection from the MDC Alliance in 2021 marked a pivotal moment in her political career, one that underscored her disillusionment with opposition practices. Citing financial exploitation and a lack of unity within the opposition, Timveous crossed over to ZANU-PF, joining ranks with the ruling party to pursue what she saw as a more stable and prosperous path for Zimbabwe. Her decision attracted criticism from some quarters of the opposition, but she maintained her resolve, becoming a prominent figure in ZANU-PF.
After enrolling at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, Timveous advanced rapidly within the party, ultimately serving as National Secretary for Training and Implementation with Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES). Her leadership and steadfast dedication earned her appointments such as her role on the Petrotrade board in 2021 and recognition from the government for her patriotic values.
Opposition Hypocrisy and UnAfrican Reactions
The passing of Timveous has sparked a starkly divided response from the Zimbabwean political scene. While ZANU-PF and its supporters mourn the loss of a valued member, opposition factions have taken a sharply different, unAfrican approach. Spiteful celebrations from opposition supporters, including online platforms like ZimEye, have surfaced, depicting an unsettling disregard for the cultural principle of Ubuntu. Such behavior, celebrating a political adversary’s death, violates the longstanding African tradition of respecting the dead, known as wafa wanaka (“the departed are honored”).
This reaction has exposed the opposition’s apparent disregard for the same democratic rights they claim to champion. Nelson Chamisa, leader of the CCC, has remained silent, indirectly condoning these callous remarks from some CCC supporters, raising questions about his commitment to democratic ideals and respect for those who differ in opinion.
Honoring the Legacy of Cde Lilian Timveous
In Zimbabwean culture, the death of a leader is a moment for reflection and respect. Timveous’s transition from the MDC Alliance to ZANU-PF represented a courageous exercise of her democratic rights, one that earned her recognition across political boundaries. Despite her critics, Timveous remained committed to Zimbabwe’s prosperity and stability, traits that earned her the rare honor of a state-assisted funeral.
Her family, friends, and colleagues in ZANU-PF remember her as a strong-willed, service-oriented leader. Timveous leaves behind her husband, Michael Timveous, and four children. As President Mnangagwa accords her a state-assisted funeral, her life’s work stands as a testament to the impact of integrity, loyalty, and the courage to follow one’s convictions, regardless of criticism.
