A founding member of ZANU, Tekere had been in and out of hospital battling cancer before his death at Murambi Clinic in Mutare on Tuesday.

Zanu PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo described Tekere as a dedicated freedom fighter and selfless cadre whose contribution to the liberation was unquestionable.

“From a personal point of view, Tekere was a man who sacrificed a lot and it is sad to hear of his passing on. It’s really sad and painful, but once your time is up, you can’t reverse it. Zanu PF will issue a statement later,” Gumbo said.

Tekere is survived by his second wife Pamela, and daughter Maidei. His first wife, Ruvimbo, died in the 1980s and his son, Farai Zachariah, died in 1998.