adminLovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
The body of Paul Brickhill who died of arthritic cancer in South Africa is expected in the country today with a private burial slotted for Friday, a close family friend has said.
Miss Jackie Cahi, who is also the chairperson of Pamberi Trust, said this in a telephone interview with The Herald Entertainment. Brickhill who was the founder of the Book Cafe died on October 3, aged 56.
“We are going to welcome home Paul’s body today from South Africa at 4pm and there will be a small service to be held at 4.30pm at his home, 6 Durban Road, Avondale, Harare,” said Miss Cahi.
Miss Cahi said that after the service, there will be an all night vigil at the same venue.
“An all night vigil will take place for farewell and blessings from the public and friends. There will be a tribute to Paul tomorrow afternoon at around 2.30pm at Book Cafe where the public will bid farewell, blessings and pay tribute to him,” she said.
Burial will not be public.
“About Paul’s burial, it is going to be a private family issue. There is going to be an interment tomorrow (Friday),” she said.
Brickhill was diagnosed with cancer in July this year and was hospitalised locally before being transferred to SA for advanced treatment.
In solidarity with Brickhill, a number of musicians staged a show with the thrust of raising funds for his medical bills.
Brickhill who was Creative Director of Book Cafe, overseen the growth of the venue as a space for not just arts and culture, but for members of the civic society to engage on various issues, including democracy, free speech and governance.
In 2011 Brickhill received a NAMA Award for “services to the arts” and in 2012 he was awarded a Prince Klaus Award by the Government of the Netherlands in recognition of his role in establishing the Book Café.
Brickhill a liberation war veteran bucked the trend in which whites fought blacks by refusing to serve in the Rhodesian army. He escaped from the country to join the liberation struggle in 1976.
He joined his elder brother Jeremy and carried out many brave acts including working undercover in intelligence.
Online Reporter