Vice President Joice Mujuru yesterday visited the Chikava family home in Chipadze township, Bindura, to pay her condolences following the death of Mt Darwin East legislator and Zanu-PF Central Committee member, Cde Betty Chikava.

ZBC News quoted VP Mujuru as saying in her condolence message that Cde Chikava was a God-fearing, humble and respectful person.She said her loyalty to the ideals of Zanu-PF was unquestionable.

VP Mujuru said the Chikava family, Mashonaland Central Province and the nation at large should find solace in the legacy she has left behind.Zanu-PF also sent a massage of condolence to the Chikava family.

The party's secretary for information and publicity, Cde Rugare Gumbo, said the death of Cde Chikava had robbed the party of a selfless cadre, who was committed to the development of the nation.

"The tragic death of Cde Chikava has robbed the party of a dedicated, committed and selfless cadre who has been effective in spearheading development in her constituency," he said.

"Cde Chikava represented a new breed of female members of the party and Parliament who are dedicated to bring about gender equality in all facets of society."

Cde Gumbo said Cde Chikava's untimely death was not only a loss to the Chikava family, but also to the party and the nation as a whole.

Cde Chikava was declared a provincial war heroine and will be buried this afternoon at her Gatawa farm in Bindura.

Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson Cde Dickson Mafios confirmed the development yesterday. He said the nation had lost a "mother and good advisor" with vast experience in politics.

Cde Mafios said the gap left by Cde Chikava would be difficult to fill.

"The nation, the people of Mt Darwin in particular, have lost an industrious legislator who always stood for development," he said.

"She was able to articulate government policies to the people and without her we don't know how we will cope."

Cde Chikava joined Zanu in 1963, engaging in youth activities and was very active during the liberation struggle through providing material support to freedom fighters.