Online Reporter
EDDIE “Mboma” Nyatanga was a colourful man and it appears he is still as colourful in death as he was in life.
Yesterday, our main story was about his tombstone which has a QR barcode?
Yes, this means that you can just scan the code and read everything you want to know about the person buried in that grave.
The tombstone, which was unveiled at his burial site in Glen Forest Memorial Park, Harare, at the weekend is a fitting tribute to the colourful businessman who led the Zimbabwe National Supporters Association (ZNSSA).
Mboma died last year at the age of 62.
The tombstone, designed by Ngoda Granites, features a standout design that cost approximately US$8,000.
Its unique headstone is prominently placed in the centre, complemented by an imposing glass photo imported from China.
Additionally, it includes a QR barcode engraved in granite, allowing fans and friends to learn more about Mboma’s life by scanning the code.
Pastor Mirriam Chikukwa of The Kingdom presided over the ceremony and urged the warring parties to come together in honor of Mboma.
She said this was a celebration of the life of Mboma, a well-known figure in sports administration and business circles and urged the family he left behind not to dwell in the past but learn to respect his legacy.
She said everyone knows that Mboma was loved as a public personality and his family should honour him in the best way possible.
Pastor Chikukwa said the tombstone resonated well with Mboma’s personality.
Takudzwa Mbofana, of Ngoda Granites, who designed the barcode engraved in granite, said his innovation was part of preserving history.
He said he has always been adventurous and this initiative came from his desire to see Mboma get the respect that he deserves.
Mbofana, who is studying for a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Zimbabwe, said memories should always be preserved in the best way possible.
We have already seen the feedback after we published the article.
George Chigova’s widow Noku said she has always wanted a similar tombstone for the late former Warriors goalkeeper.
Noku said since Chigova died when their kids were still young, she wants them to just scan the code and read everything about the father when they grow up.
It’s quite an innovation.
This is what technology can do for us now.
We don’t need the kids to look for relatives to tell them the history of their late parents when they can just scan the code and all the information that they want will be there for them to read.
We are so certain that a lot of other people will follow suit and we will be seeing more graves with QR barcodes.
Of course, it costs a lot of money and Mboma’s widow Dr Angeline Nyatanga spent about US$8,000 to honour her late husband.
It’s the kind of money which many people can’t afford.
But, as our world changes around us, we believe that is something many people will embrace.
Bongani Ndlovu