Chronicle Editor
Melissa Mpofu, [email protected]
Shanitha Singh, a close friend of the late veteran broadcaster Zvikomborero “Kombo” Sibanda, has reflected on their friendship following Sibanda’s passing on Wednesday. Kombo will be laid to rest tomorrow in Bulawayo.
In an interview, Singh, who is based in South Africa where Kombo had been residing, shared fond memories of their bond, which began more than a decade ago.
“I met Kombo over 10 years ago through my sister, who was her gym buddy. We became friends, and when I was getting married in 2014, she travelled with me to India to help with my wedding shopping. She also attended my wedding,” Singh recalled.
Describing Kombo as always bubbly and a great listener, Singh said, “We used to share so much. I would confide in her about my problems, and she did the same with me. But she was always optimistic, always had a smile on her face, and was always there to listen.”
She reminisced about their frequent meetups at Bedford Centre in Johannesburg.
“My sister and I often went there, and sometimes we’d sit down for coffee or breakfast. Since Kombo lived at the centre, we would call her to join us, and we’d have great laughs and long conversations.”
One of Singh’s fondest memories was in January 2015, when Kombo unexpectedly played a role in discovering her pregnancy.
“I was having breakfast with her and mentioned that I always needed to relieve myself. She immediately said, ‘You’re pregnant,’ but I laughed it off. She insisted on buying me a pregnancy test, saying that in her culture, doing so would bring good luck as she had been trying to conceive herself. We went to her apartment, and that’s where I took the test.
“She was the first to know I was expecting. From then on, Kombo became like a sister to me, and we shared so many special moments.”
Singh last spoke to Kombo just over a week ago.
“I checked in on her, asked how she was feeling, and when she was coming back home to South Africa. I never imagined it would be our last conversation.”
She added that Kombo had a close relationship with her family.
“When my daughter was born in 2015, she started calling me ‘Mama Jazz’ because of my daughter’s name. Her passing has been such a shock to us, even to my daughter. She was also very close to my late mom, and they shared many laughs. We will definitely miss her.”
Kombo’s passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, and her friends and family will cherish the fond memories they shared with her.
Online Reporter