Former Zimpapers staffer laid to rest

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

FORMER Zimpapers staffer Mrs Thenjiwe Dube who died last week was buried yesterday at Umvutshwa Cemetery in Bulawayo with speakers describing her as a reliable, industrious, and spiritual person.

Mrs Dube served at the Zimpapers branch for 32 years until her retirement to farming in March 2015.
Member of Parliament for Bulawayo South constituency Cde Raj Modi said Mrs Dube’s death was a loss to the community of Newton West where she resided.

“We have lost a great leader, it’s a loss to the community and family. Her good works can be seen in the community and we appreciate that and will always remember her,” he said.

Mrs Betty Msimanga, a sister to the late Mrs Dube said she was a hardworking woman.

“Mrs Dube was born in Nkayi District and attained primary education there and later moved to St Columbu’s High School in Bulawayo but failed to complete her education due to the war.

She then did a secretarial course, a degree in Media Studies, and a post-graduate diploma in Development Studies.

She was a hard-working woman, a God-fearing Christian, a community leader, and ever smiling,” she said.

Her son, Thembumenzi described his mother as a woman with many desirable traits.
“She was a very strong woman.

Her most admirable trait, she raised us to be respectful and hardworking children, there was no room for laziness. We are blessed to have had her as our mother.

She was the bridge you needed when you were in distress, a shoulder to lean on,” he said.

The resident’s association for Newton West also praised her leadership qualities and lauded her for uniting the community to do developmental programmes. Businesswoman and owner of Glen Lodge Mrs Beauty Bhulu, who was a friend to the late Mrs Dube said they had lost a hero.

“Sis Thenjie was an amazing woman, we called her a woman of virtue, she is gone now. She was the pillar of our strength, an advisor and would reprimand me whenever I erred.

“She united many women and we associated in various circles, she had it in her to be a leader. I am not amazed by all the positions I hear she held, that was who she was,” she said.

Mrs Dube was a passionate farmer who grew various crops and reared livestock that were supplied throughout the city.

She had a passion for education as seen by her advancing herself at a mature age and also educating her children, two of her children are PhD holders.

She is survived by her husband Adam, four children and six grandchildren
@NyembeziMu.