Chronicle Editor
Sipepisiwe Moyo, [email protected]
Yesterday, the Amphitheatre in Bulawayo was filled with mourners who had gathered to bid farewell to a local entrepreneur, Mudiwa Matongorere, affectionately known as “Boss Moody”.
His sudden demise on April 29 due to a heart condition left the community in a state of sorrow.
Born on April 27, 1981, Mudiwa, the second among 15 siblings, was remembered by his mother as a child of exceptional intelligence. He leaves behind his wife Eunice and their 20-year-old offspring, Paris.
Mudiwa was a man of humility, selflessness, patience and kindness, never treating anyone as beneath him. His absence has created a void that many feel deeply.
Inheriting his father’s business acumen, Mudiwa successfully managed a flourishing car dealership. He was also recognised for his flawless fashion sense, often seen wearing Air Jordans, a brand favoured by many of his close friends.
In a touching tribute, his friends wore Air Jordans to accompany Mudiwa on his final journey. The stage decorations also featured various designs of Air Jordan sneakers.
The police force ensured the smooth progression of the ceremony.
Mudiwa’s mother, overwhelmed with grief, spoke about her son’s industrious nature, emphasising how he started contributing to the family’s income from a young age.
“I am yet to accept the fact that my son is no more. Mudiwa was the first boy child I had and after his father passed away, he took care of the family. He loved me so much and always listened to my advice and took good care of me. Young men, please love your mothers just like how Mudiwa used to do, he never spent over three days without checking on me. I would like to say to my son, rest in peace,” she said.
In a touching eulogy, Mudiwa’s younger brother, Tich Matongorere, remembered him as a mentor who instilled valuable life skills during their time together.
“I do not know how best I can explain my loss today, as my brother Mudiwa was the father figure in my life who groomed me to be the man that I am today. He brought me to Bulawayo after I had completed my high school. The first job I did was to clean cars at his workplace for a good two years. Later on, he bought me a Nissan March as a start-up and he expected more from me in terms of business.
“Sometimes I would think that he was too hard on me, but it is now that I am beginning to realise that the pressure he was putting on me was a way of training me to be able to survive when he is gone. I would like to thank my late brother for his love together with his wife and I say go well, my brother. We will learn to accept that you are gone and I will keep to heart all the lessons that you taught me and I promise to make you proud,” he said.
Eunice’s sister, who shared a close bond with Mudiwa, delivered a heartfelt speech on her behalf.
“I was blessed to have Mudiwa as a husband. He had a loving heart and cared for so many, he was a gentle giant. I would like to thank you all for coming to celebrate Mudiwa’s life which was a life well lived. He made his mark in life, and until we meet again rest in eternal peace. To my mother-in-law, we are together for as long as I live you will not lack anything,” she said.
United in grief, Mudiwa’s friends remembered him as a cherished companion, a reliable business partner, and a man with an undeniably kind heart.
Online Reporter