By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — Zimbabwe laid to rest Linda Tsungirirai Masarira, President of the LEAD party and outspoken activist, at Glenforest Memorial Park yesterday afternoon at a burial attended by mourners from across the political divide.
Masarira passed away in the early hours of Sunday 24 May 2026. Her close friend and confidante Dr Abigale Mupambi confirmed her death to this publication. According to Dr Mupambi, Masarira, who had been managing asthma and diabetes in recent weeks, was found unresponsive by her maid in the early hours of Sunday. She was declared dead on arrival at hospital.
“She was looking fine in recent days, but her health had been complicated by asthma and diabetes,” Dr Mupambi said. “Her children shall be looked after by LEAD, the organization she established some years ago. We assure their safety and wellbeing.”
A send-off service was held on Tuesday at Nyaradzo Funeral Services in Harare. Among those in attendance were legal experts Douglas Mwonzora and Lovemore Madhuku, as well as several political figures from across the political spectrum.
Stanley Zvoradza, who once worked with Masarira in Tajamuka and Sesijikile, paid a moving tribute. “Linda was a fearless woman, the kind of opposition politician Zimbabwe has rarely seen in its political history,” Zvoradza said. “Of course, no one is perfect except the Almighty God, but she died a good person. Akafa akanaka.”
He acknowledged the criticism Masarira faced on social media, where some labelled her a traitor. “When someone dies, we must remember the courage they showed while alive. Linda spoke when others stayed quiet.”
Members of the media fraternity also gathered to bid farewell. One journalist who covered Masarira for years said, “She never shied away from a hard question, and she never backed down from a hard fight. That is how we will remember her.”
Another mourner described Masarira as “a voice for those who felt unheard,” noting that her willingness to cross political lines earned her both allies and detractors.
Dr Mupambi reiterated that LEAD will continue to care for Masarira’s five children. “Linda built this organization to serve people, and it will now serve her family too,” she said.
Multitudes of mourners filled Glenforest yesterday afternoon, many wearing party colours and others in simple black, reflecting Masarira’s reach beyond party lines. Her burial marks the end of a political life defined by bold speech, controversy, and an unwavering commitment to speaking for the vulnerable.
As Zvoradza put it: “History will judge her fairly. Today we simply say goodbye to a woman who refused to be silent.”