BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MWENEZI
A sombre mood engulfed the district today as two prominent figures were laid to rest in consecutive burials, marking a poignant moment for the local community.
The first funeral was for Mbuya Makhanani Mafirechuma Matavire, the mother of the late legendary musician Paul Matavire, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 92. Widely respected as a pillar of the community and country in particular, Mbuya Makhanani Mafirechuma, affectionately known in the local circles as VaMaMbiza, was a source of inspiration to many. She often shared the wisdom that helped her shape her son’s illustrious career. Thousands of mourners including local political and traditional leaders gathered at her homestead in Maranda at Dinhe in Chongoveza Village to pay their final respects yesterday.
In a tearful tribute, one of her sons, Watson Matavire remarked, “She was the force behind our success, and her passing on marks the end of an era. She was not just a mother to Paul and us, but to many Zimbabweans.”
Shortly after Mbuya Matavire’s burial, attention turned to the funeral of Clara Shumba, the wife of the late former Mwenezi Member of Parliament, Isaiah Shumba, Clara Shumba Masvayamwando, who passed away just a day after Mbuya Matavire. Shumba, a well-known community advocate, had been involved in various development projects alongside her husband, playing a key role in uplifting women and children in the district. She was highly regarded for her philanthropic work and her dedication to improving the lives of others.
Shumba was laid to rest today at her family’s Rutenga homestead, with a large crowd of mourners, including local politicians and traditional leaders in attendance. Her son, Tafadzwa Shumba, described her 74 years old mother as “a pillar of strength,” adding, “The void she leaves behind will be felt by many for years to come.”
The double loss of these two influential women has left the Mwenezi community reeling. Both funerals were characterised by emotional tributes, as mourners reflected on the significant contributions the two made in their respective spheres.
The back-to-back burials brought together various members of the Mwenezi and the country in particular, united in their grief and solidarity. As the district mourns, there is a shared sentiment that the legacies of both Mbuya Matavire and Clara Shumba will continue to inspire future generations.
“It is a double tragedy for the district. We lost two icons within the blink of an eye. The history of Mwenezi district cannot be fully accounted for without mentioning these two vital organs of the society`s names,” said the District Development Coordinator, Isaac Mutambara.