Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
HARARE – Government officials quietly stepped in to assist with funeral arrangements for outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza, even as prominent ZANU PF figures conspicuously stayed away from his burial, revealing apparent divisions within the ruling party.
Geza, who died recently in South Africa following a prolonged heart condition, had become a vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and was expelled from ZANU PF after challenging the President’s leadership.
The late liberation war veteran had previously accused Mnangagwa of being captured by a clique of wealthy businessmen, a stance that sources say severely strained his relationship with senior party officials and ultimately led to his exile.
Speaking at the burial in Sanyati, family spokesperson Five Geza revealed that while no high-ranking ZANU PF figures attended the ceremony, some government officials provided discreet support behind the scenes.
“We have some in government who we spoke to who consoled us. Today, no one came to the funeral but you saw the road. That may have dissuaded some from coming to the funeral,” said Five Geza.
He added that the assistance came immediately after the family received news of Geza’s death.
“Some officials provided support in Harare right from the time we got the news. They helped us navigate the initial arrangements, even if they could not be here today.”
The burial in Sanyati was notably low-key, reflecting the strained ties between Geza and his former comrades in arms. In his final years, Geza lived in exile in South Africa after falling out with senior ZANU PF leadership over his outspoken criticism of the party’s direction.
Despite the apparent snub from party heavyweights, the family insisted that Geza’s contribution to the liberation struggle remains undeniable and untarnished.
“He was a liberation war veteran but the way he lived with some of his comrades is not a secret that in the end they went their separate ways,” said Five Geza.
“His legacy is not defined by his fallout with individuals. It is defined by his sacrifice for this country’s freedom.”
Political analysts suggest the discreet assistance from government officials, contrasted with the public absence of party leaders, points to underlying tensions within the ruling establishment regarding how to handle dissent from liberation war veterans.
“Geza was a difficult figure for the party,” said political analyst Eldred Masunungure.
“He was a war veteran with credentials, but he became a critic. The party could not publicly embrace him, but there are those within government who still recognize the service he rendered to the country. That creates an awkward dynamic.”
The family has confirmed that Geza will be laid to rest in his rural home, with funeral proceedings continuing throughout the week.
They have called for peace and dignity in honouring his memory, setting aside the political controversies that marked his final years.
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