Bongani Ndlovu
Zimpapers Reporter
MAGWEGWE North came alive on Saturday as residents gathered at Baobab Stadium to witness the official launch of the Esandleni Somusa initiative — a community-driven fund designed to support families during times of sorrow and bereavement.
The atmosphere was filled with unity, pride and excitement as community members converged to celebrate what many described as a long-awaited milestone.
Esandleni Somusa, a brainchild of six people from the suburb, seeks to ensure that no family in Magwegwe North faces the burden of funeral expenses alone.
The initiative provides financial assistance to members during times of loss, anchored on the African philosophy of ubuntu — “I am because we are.”
Speaking during the launch, the chairperson of the local task force, Mr Phakamile Nyoni said the launch was a success, stressing this was not a burial society but a way to help families from the neighbourhood in times of bereavement.
“Everything went well. We launched the initial in Bulawayo at Magwegwe North and we are proud of the achievement. We look forward to working with people and helping them out when they are in times of bereavement,” said Mr Nyoni.
Ms Roselyn Masuku said as parents with children in South Africa this initiative gives them peace of mind when the unfortunate happens.
“I have children in South Africa and I always worry what would happen if one of them unfortunately dies. The costs of bringing the body for one person is hard to bear. So as Magwegwe North we are happy that this is a thing if the past,” said Ms Masuku.
The organisation’s spokesperson Mr Winford Makondo, speaking from South Africa said the initiative was born out of a shared vision to create a sustainable, community-based support system.
“This initiative was founded by six executives who came together with a shared vision to create a community-based fund that provides financial support to Magwegwe North residents during times of sorrow and bereavement,” said Mr Makondo.
He said the executive team comprises himself, who oversees operations, marketing and public relations; secretary Jennifer Masuku; Jasper Mhlanga; Busisiwe Sithole, who manages proof of payments and confirmations; Isaac Mabhena; and chairlady Thenjiwe Dube.
“Our journey is rooted in the spirit of ubuntu and in the belief that no family should face loss alone. This initiative is for everyone born and bred in Magwegwe North — no matter where they are, they remain sons and daughters of this community,” he said.
Mr Makondo said the initiative extends to permanent residents of the suburb.
However, tenants are for now excluded due to challenges related to consistency of membership and contributions.
“We would wholeheartedly love to include tenants, but the nature of their stay makes it difficult to manage continuity. Today someone resides in Magwegwe North, tomorrow they may have relocated to another suburb and joined a different initiative. That creates sustainability challenges for us as we uphold the spirit of shared responsibility,” he explained.
The launch was particularly significant as executive committee members based in South Africa joined in celebrating the milestone, demonstrating the strong bonds among Magwegwe North residents regardless of geographical location.
Mr Makondo revealed that this is not the group’s first community-driven project. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the team spearheaded the Magwegwe North Foundation, which provided groceries to vulnerable families in the suburb.
“That effort is documented and stands as proof of our commitment to serving one another during times of need. Esandleni Somusa builds on that legacy and strengthens the bonds among Magwegwe North descendants across the world,” he said.
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