Mukonoweshuro, who will receive a state-assisted funeral, died on Friday after a short illness and is expected to be buried in Harare either tomorrow or Tuesday.
MDC-T national organising secretary, Nelson Chamisa, said the body would then be taken to a funeral parlour before being taken to his family home the following day where it will lie in state ahead of the burial.
Chamisa said while accepting the state assistance, such episodes highlighted the need for non-partisanship in according national heroes status.
Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara’s MDC-M said: “Mukonoweshuro was a rare breed, both as an academic and politician and his immense contribution to Zimbabwe will remain distinguishable for- ever.”
“There is no doubt that Mukonoweshuro has left an indelible mark in the execution of duty and service to the nation,” MDC-M spokesman Maxwell Zimuto said.
“We need to go back to the drawing board in coming up with a definition of a hero,” he said, maintaining that the late minister deserved to be accorded that status.
“The (declaration) process continues to be shackled by partisan inclinations and needs to be debated and resolved.”
Chamisa described Mukunoweshuro as a “real change” hero, a nation builder, adviser and an intellectual.
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Meanwhile, political parties yesterday described Mukonoweshuro’s death as a big loss to the country.
Egypt Dzinemunenzwa, leader of the African National Party said they were saddened by the death of Mukunoweshuro.
“We will remember him for the job he did as minister and he will be missed in that regard,” he said.
