Raymond Jaravaza in DALUKA, Lupane
THE final journey of Ms Sanelisiwe Magagula ended yesterday in Daluka Village, Lupane, where hundreds of mourners gathered to bury a woman remembered not for the tragedy that claimed her life, but for the lives she touched.
Tears flowed freely as her coffin was lowered into the grave after being brought hundreds of kilometres from Harare, following her death in last Wednesday’s helicopter crash.
At just 32, Magagula had become a pillar of support for her family: paying school fees, buying uniforms and extending a helping hand to relatives whenever they needed it.
Her sudden death has now left behind a 12-year-old daughter, a grieving mother, a devastated family and a church community that described her as deeply devoted to her faith.
She was among five people who died in the helicopter crash alongside businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and two pilots. Magagula was Mrs Chivayo’s aide.
Yesterday, from as early as 6am, villagers from Daluka and surrounding communities began arriving at the Magagula homestead to bid farewell to the former Zimbabwe National Army soldier.
Others had travelled overnight from Harare and Marondera, first accompanying her body to Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo before making the long journey to Lupane for the all-night vigil.
By the time the burial took place, the homestead was filled with mourners from different parts of the country, including members of the Johanne Masowe Chishanu apostolic church.
Speakers struggled to hold back tears as they remembered Magagula as a jovial, generous and caring woman who put her family before herself.
Madzibaba Stanley Kazingizi described her as a committed member of the church whose faith took her beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
“She was so dedicated to the church that she travelled for conventions in Kenya, Botswana and South Africa, among other places. Her passing away is a loss to the church and her family,” he said. But her faith was only one part of the legacy she leaves behind.
“She was a breadwinner who made sure that her relatives of school-going age had their school fees paid and uniforms are bought on time,” said Madzibaba Kazingizi.
He said the church had also made arrangements to assist with the upkeep of Magagula’s 12-year-old daughter.
Family spokesperson Mr Lamulani Ncube said Ms Magagula’s death had left the family struggling to accept that the youngest child of the Magagula family was no more.
“We are at a loss for words, the whole family is devastated. Sanelisiwe was 32 and was born in a family of two boys and two girls. She was the last born,” he said.
Mr Ncube said the pain has been compounded by the fact that he was the first family member to receive news of her death.
“It’s hard for us to accept that she is gone and for me it’s the hardest because I was the first to receive the news that Sanelisiwe is no more. I had to inform the other family members,” he said.
The family was given one final opportunity for closure when Ms Magagula’s mother, grandmother and another close relative were allowed to view her body.
Mr Ncube thanked the hundreds of mourners who travelled from across the country to stand with the family.
“We would like to thank everyone who travelled from different parts of the country to Daluka for the burial,” he said.
The deceased’s aunt, Mrs Ngenzeni Ncube Manyathela, said the reality of her death only began to sink in when she saw the hearse carrying her body.
“Sanelisiwe was my niece. I’m her mother’s younger sister and I still can’t believe that she is gone. Her death has left us devastated as a family; it still feels unreal,” she said.
Representing Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo, Zanu PF Umguza District Coordinating Committee chairperson Cde Permanent Sibanda urged mourners to honour Ms Magagula’s memory by supporting her family.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of Wicknell Chivayo, his wife, the other two deceased and Sanelisiwe Magagula, whom we are laying to rest today,” he said.
“The loss of several lives in these circumstances has left families and communities struggling to comprehend what has happened. We share in the sorrow of every family affected by this tragedy.”
He conveyed condolences to the Magagula family on behalf of Government and President Mnangagwa.
“To the Magagula family, please accept my sincere condolences. I extend these words both in my official capacity as Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, representing His Excellency the President, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa, and as a member of the wider Magagula family. My own mother is a Magagula,” he said.
