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CHIREDZI – The sudden death of Ward 2 Councillor Jesta Muteyaunga collapsed and died last Thursday at the age of 54 has effectively rendered Chiredzi Town council an all-male affair, a massive blow to the quest for fairer representation in the local authority.
Muteyaunga was the only female voice in the male-dominated council and her death has left a gap which might not be plugged any time soon.
Her son Irvine Muteyaunga said Muteyaunga collapsed in her bedroom while preparing to go to town for some business and she was rushed to Hippo Valley consulting rooms where she died.
“She was rushed to Hippo Valley consulting rooms but it was too late, she could not make it and she died,” said Irvine.
She was laid to arrest at Chiredzi cemetery on Saturday.
Chiredzi Town chairman, Francis Moyo said he was shocked by the councillor’s death.
“I am still in pain; I cannot believe it that it’s true that Mai Muteyaunga is no more. I am in so much pain that I have to leave the funeral and find something to occupy my mind so that I can forget about it though it’s hard to forget,” said Moyo.
Moyo, who is also Ward 4 councillor, said he worked with Muteyaunga during her time in council
“I learnt a lot from Muteyaunga during her time as a councillor. As the only female, she was a shining example of somebody who know what she was doing and loved her party,” said Moyo.
Councillor Tarusenga Makamba of Ward 3 said Muteyaunga was a hardworking councillor who wanted the best especially for the women in her ward.
“She did many projects especially for women, she was a hardworking woman,” said Makamba.
Muteyaunga is survived by her husband, two sons and grandchildren.local