President Mnangagwa has accorded Jesmiel Rushwaya a state-assisted funeral describing his as a veteran educationist who helped promote local education.

The late educationist is father to Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.

He passed away on Thursday at Dr Rushwaya’s residence in Chishawasha Hills in Harare.

He was 98 and had been battling prostate cancer for a long time.

In his condolence message Mnangagwa said Rushwaya leaves behind a meritorious career.

“A veteran educationist, Sekuru Rushwaya leaves behind a meritorious career as a leader in the field of education which spanned over several decades.

“Today many of his students occupy commanding echelons in our society, thus bearing loud testimony to the great work he discharged and accomplished in his professional life and career.”

“In recognition of his service to generations which he mentored as a teacher, headmaster and schools inspector, Government has found it fit to accord him a State-assisted funeral,” said Mnangagwa.