Following the untimely passing of former Midlands Senator and once MDC Alliance Deputy Treasurer General, Lilian Timveous, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended a State-assisted funeral to honor her legacy.
Timveous, who joined ZANU-PF in 2021 after previously serving in opposition, passed away yesterday at Avenues Clinic in Harare following a short illness. The President, attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, sent condolences to the Timveous family and ZANU-PF, describing her as a committed patriot and a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
President Mnangagwa’s gesture of a State-assisted funeral reflects her dedication to national development and her steadfast commitment to Zimbabwe. Cde Timveous graduated from the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology in 2021, shortly after joining ZANU-PF, and continued to serve with distinction, eventually becoming the National Secretary for Training and Implementation in the Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) National Executive Council. Her leadership extended to the corporate sector when she was appointed to the board of Petrotrade, an essential role she filled with the same dedication she brought to her political work.
Despite Timveous’ storied political career, some opposition voices, including ZimEye, have publicly expressed hostility upon her passing, a reaction that many Zimbabweans see as unAfrican and contrary to the spirit of Ubuntu. Her supporters recall her transition to ZANU-PF as a testament to her principles, citing her frustration with the internal dynamics within the opposition and her firm belief that ZANU-PF offered a more stable and productive path for Zimbabwe.
The legacy of Cde Timveous is marked by her strong convictions and commitment to national progress. She is survived by her husband, Michael Timveous, and their four children.
President Mnangagwa’s recognition of her contributions and his decision to accord her a State-assisted funeral highlight the nation’s respect for her enduring commitment to Zimbabwe’s development and unity.
