Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
Hundreds of mourners gathered at No.1 Cemetery in Hwange to bid farewell to Charles Nyoni, affectionately known as “Big Charlie.” The 2.1-meter-tall giant, who passed away on February 18, 2025, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.
As the funeral procession made its way to the gravesite, the sky was a somber gray, with clouds that seemed to mirror the mood of the mourners. A gentle rain fell from the sky, casting a misty veil over the cemetery.
The raindrops fell softly, creating a soothing melody that accompanied the mourners as they said their final goodbyes. The rain was not heavy, but rather a steady, gentle patter that seemed to wash away the sorrow and grief, leaving behind a sense of calm and serenity.
However, as the funeral procession arrived at the gravesite, a unique challenge arose due to Big Charlie’s extraordinary size. His coffin, specially designed to accommodate his 2.1-meter frame, proved too heavy and large for the pallbearers to carry.
To overcome this obstacle, the funeral directors had arranged for a crane to be brought to the cemetery. As the mourners watched, a massive crane slowly made its way to the gravesite, its long arm stretching out to lift the oversized coffin.
With precision and care, the crane operator carefully lifted the coffin off the ground, holding it aloft as the pallbearers guided it into place. The crane’s arm slowly lowered the coffin into the grave, allowing the mourners to pay their final respects.
The use of a crane to lift Big Charlie’s coffin was a poignant reminder of his remarkable size and the impact he had on those around him. Despite the challenges his size presented, the funeral directors and crane operators worked together to ensure that Big Charlie received a dignified and respectful farewell.
“Big Charlie was more than just a tall man,” said his sister, Mary Nyoni, fighting back tears. “He was a kind soul, always willing to lend a helping hand. Despite his struggles with health issues, he never lost his smile. He was a fighter who even after we lost our father in the Kamandama mine disaster he soldiered on”
Big Charlie has been struggling with health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure, due to his rare medical condition, gigantism and acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that causes excessive growth.
Big Charlie’s story had gained national attention, and he was considered one of the tallest men in Africa, only 41 cm shorter than the world’s tallest man, Sultan Kosen from Turkey. His passing was described as a loss to his community and those who had rallied around him to support his health and well-being.
Hwange Central member of Parliament, Daniel Molokele who was a close friend, remembered Big Charlie as a gentle giant who inspired many with his courage and resilience.
“I was very close to Big Charlie and on the day he passed away he had called me asking me come and see him. I told him I would visit him sometime on Thursday and he told me he would be gone. Little did I know that he would actually be gone I’m devastated. Charles may have been tall in stature, but he was even taller in spirit,” Molokele said.
Friend and neighbor, who was identified as Joe, shared fond memories of Big Charlie’s love for pictures and people. “He may have had mobility issues, but when it came to getting pictures with visitors, Big Charlie would rise up with abandon as the celebrity that he was,” Moyo said, eliciting chuckles from the mourners.
A Hwange Colliery Company representative, Ms Fortune Nyoni, paid tribute to Big Charlie’s strength and determination. “As a company we continued to support Big Charlie as a former employee with groceries and medication. We were honored to have supported Charles in his final days. His passing is a reminder of the importance of compassion and care for those in need.”
As the mourners said their final goodbyes, Big Charlie’s family and friends took comfort in the memories of his remarkable life. Though he may be gone, his legacy as a gentle giant will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
