Online Reporter
Obituary
David Chapfika, who departed from us on June 19, 2025, due to a tragic accident, was not just our father, but a charismatic force, a leader, and an unforgettable personality whose presence illuminated every room he entered.
Born of humble beginnings in Charehwa, Mutoko District, Mashonaland East Province on April 7, 1957, to Mikairi and Erica Chapfika, our father’s life was a testament to the transformative power of education, unwavering hard work and resilience.
Through his education at Kagande and Chindenga Primary Schools and completing his secondary education at Nyamuzuwe Methodist Mission followed by training at a teachers college, he built a life not only for himself but for his family and community. His ambition and remarkable determination shaped our early years, and his work ethic was a standard by which we learned diligence and tenacity.
Chapfika was a man deeply rooted in his cultural heritage. He instilled in us the profound meaning of Ubuntu — identity, respect for elders and love for community. This extended to his beloved in-laws, Jeremy Johnson and Masimba Madondo, whom he welcomed not merely as sons-in-law, but as sons, honouring their parents as his own siblings.
His home was a haven, always open, and his heart stretched far beyond bloodlines.
Chapfika’s generous spirit and deep desire to uplift others propelled him into public service, pursuing a career in politics despite opposition, driven by a profound sense of calling to empower black Zimbabweans.
His impactful contributions to the nation of Zimbabwe included serving as Deputy Minister of Finance, chairman of the Indigenisation Board, and Member of Parliament for Mutoko North and later for Mutoko South. As a Member of Parliament, he championed the first rural electrification programme in Mutoko, bringing light to schools and clinics in Mutoko Centre, Nyamuzuwe, Tarewa and Kagande.
He initiated a computersation programme for secondary schools in his constituency and facilitated the construction of school libraries. His philanthropy extended to sourcing and distributing free medication for hospitals and clinics and securing scholarships for brilliant but underprivileged students.
He conceived community empowerment programmes, including the free distribution of fertilisers and chemicals to improve crop yields for farmers.
He further distinguished himself as chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee while in Parliament. His passion for black economic emancipation led to his appointment as chairman of the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board (NIEEB) in 2011, where he laid the foundation for today’s models of black-owned business enterprises.
He was a member of the National Consultative Assembly of ZANU PF and the ZANU PF Central Committee until his passing.
For his significant contributions and dedicated service to the nation, Chapfika was deservedly conferred provincial liberation hero status by President Mnangagwa.
He was a father who gave us unforgettable family memories filled with heated debates on politics, history and Pan-Africanism. We will forever miss our roles as his personal on-call health advisors, the simple joy of long-distance texts and exchanging photos of his vazukuru.
He is survived by his wife, Abina Chapfika (née Mutimusakwa), whom he married in 1979, and their four children.
As we mourn his passing, we are reminded of the power of grace and forgiveness.
Chapfika’s life stands as a beacon of hope — a testament that one can rise from humble beginnings through education, perseverance and dedicated service. In honouring his wishes, he was laid to rest with his parents at the Chapfika Village in Mutoko on June 26, 2025. — Chapfika Family
