Edward Raradza, Zimbabwean mining pioneer and politician, dies at 79

Edward Raradza, a prominent Zimbabwean politician, mining entrepreneur, and former Zimbabwe Farmers Union vice-president, has died in Harare at the age of 79. His family confirmed he passed away on a Friday evening around 8:00 PM.

Raradza was recognized as the first Black Zimbabwean to establish and own a coal mine during the colonial era, serving as the director of Zambezi Gas and Coal Mine. He was credited by regional officials for contributing to the development of Matabeleland North Province.

In the political and agricultural spheres, Raradza was a vocal advocate for farmers, frequently pressing the government regarding fertilizer prices, agricultural inputs, and producer payments. A member of the Zanu-PF party, he was a supporter of Robert Mugabe and was elected unopposed to represent Muzarabani South in the 2008 parliamentary elections.