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Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
THE YEAR 2022 has gone, and for many Zimbabweans the loss of loved ones, will always remain a sorrowful experience. Among those who died were prominent people who included national heroes, among other decorated icons in different spheres.
Below are 11 Zimbabweans who died last year, but whose works touched the lives of many.
Major-General (Retired) Sikhulile Simpson Nyathi
On the morning of July 3, Major-General (Retired) Sikhulile Simpson Nyathi died at the Zimbabwe National Army 2 Referral Hospital in Harare. He was declared a National Hero and his body was taken to his rural home in Gwanda and then back to Harare for burial.
Cont Mhlanga
On August 1, veteran playwright, arts administrator and doyen Cont Mhlanga died at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) after being admitted for 10 days. His family said he succumbed to pneumonia. He was 65.
Zexie Manatsa and Stella Manatsa
On January 20 last year, renowned and veteran musician Zexie Manatsa succumbed to cancer at the age of 78, plunging the arts fraternity into mourning.
It was a sad time for the Manatsa family as Stella, wife to veteran musician, Zexie Manatsa died seven months later on August 30. She died exactly in the same month 43 years after their legendary wedding and seven months after her husband’s death.
Clive Chigubhu
On April 27, award-winning comedian Clive Chigubhu breathed his last after suffering from diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which had left him bedridden and unable to talk. He was 31.
Mr Noel Eric York aka Mbokodo.
Prominent Bulawayo businessman and owner of Mbokodo Abattoirs, Mr Noel Eric York, died at the age of 72. Mr York, who was popularly known as “Mbokodo”, died at his home in Burnside suburb on May 22 after a long battle with cancer.
Mbokodo Abattoirs is located on the outskirts of Bulawayo along Bulawayo-Plumtree Road.
Chief Mabhikwa
On May 23, youthful Chief Mabhikwa of Lupane District in Matabeleland North Province died after a horrific head-on collision between his Isuzu vehicle and a haulage truck. Chief Mabhikwa died at St Luke’s Hospital. He was 28.
Aldiglade Bhamu
On May 26, former Zimbabwe senior national women’s football team star Aldiglade Bhamu died after a short illness. She was 34. Bhamu passed away at a hospital in Harare after collapsing at her family home in the capital.
Cde Highten Nkomo
Liberation stalwart Cde Highten Nkomo died at the age of 70 in August and was declared a National Hero. Cde Nkomo was the first commander of the Mkushi Women’s Camp in Zambia during the liberation struggle.
Caesar “Mafigo” Dube Bosso 90 star
On October 30, Highlanders Football Club development side player Caesar “Mafigo” Dube died after falling out of a vehicle. The 21-year-old son of Sizalobuhle Dube, a former Njube Sundowns and How Mine player, was travelling from Makokoba with his friend when the accident occurred near Entumbane Complex. His death was caused by head injuries he sustained from the fall.
Shepherd Makunura
On December 15, Zimbabwe Cricket woke up to sad news of the death of national team fielding coach, Shepherd Tichaendepi Makunura. Makunura (46) succumbed to illness at a private hospital in Harare.
At the time of his death, he was also head coach of Masvingo-based Southern Rocks, where he led some national team players like Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza and Roy Kaia.
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