Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO is preparing to bid farewell to media and arts icon Babongile Sikhonjwa, as a memorial service in his honour is slated for the Amphitheatre today.
Sikhonjwa, affectionately known as Babo, died in Bulawayo on Sunday, September 21, at the age of 49, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a radio host, master of ceremonies, comedian and cultural activist.
Arts practitioner Saimon Mambazo Phiri, who is coordinating the memorial, said the full programme will be unveiled today.
“The service will begin at Sikhonjwa’s home in Richmond (1 Erin Road) at 8am. From there, the convoy will proceed through town, passing key landmarks including the Joshua Nkomo statue, Skyz Metro FM (Pioneer House) and venues where Babo worked, such as The Red Café,” said Mambazo.
The main memorial service will commence at the Amphitheatre at 11am and run until 3pm. Thereafter, Sikhonjwa’s body will be transported to his rural home in Mlowezi, Insiza District, under Chief Ndube, where it will lie in state before the burial on Saturday, September 27.
The homestead is located approximately 80kms from the city along the Bulawayo-Gwanda road, near the Glass Block Dam. Mambazo said selected friends, colleagues and community members will share personal stories about Sikhonjwa during the service. “Sikhonjwa was a great connector. Many people across different stages of his life want to honour him, so we’ve compiled a solid list of speakers to guide everyone through his journey,” he said. He also called upon artistes, business leaders, friends and organisations who worked with Sikhonjwa to come together and celebrate the life of a selfless creative who left a lasting mark on Bulawayo and Zimbabwe’s arts scene.
In parallel, friends of Sikhonjwa have launched a fundraising initiative to support his family with funeral logistics. His sister, Babusisiwe Bathabile Moyo, confirmed that the family is aware of all and endorses the initiative.
“They informed us that they want to raise funds in honour of Babo, and we’ve given them the green light,” she said.
Fundraising organiser Qhubani Moyo noted that Sikhonjwa’s influence extended beyond Zimbabwe, with friends abroad eager to contribute.
A GoFundMe page has been set up, while local well-wishers can donate via EcoCash or Mukuru on +263 772 748 000 (registered under Qhubani Moyo).
“This is our own version of Zibuthe or Incebethu, where the community comes together to support a bereaved family. All funds raised will go directly to the Sikhonjwa family, who have blessed the initiative,” Moyo said, highlighting that the gesture is one of appreciation for Sikhonjwa’s life and lasting friendships, rather than financial need. Meanwhile, friends, colleagues and admirers continue to gather at 1 Erin Road, Richmond, Bulawayo, to pay their respects and celebrate the life and impact of Babongile Sikhonjwa.
