Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VISUALLY-IMPAIRED actress Edith Masango’s dream to conquer Africa received a major boost after four people from Masvingo pledged to cycle from Harare to Lilongwe to raise funds for the African tour of her play, “Muchazondida”.
A one-woman play that explores both the real and imagined challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities, “Muchazondida” has been selected to perform at the Theatre Renaissance Cabaret Festival 2026 in Lilongwe, Malawi, from July 30 to August 2.
Co-written by Fungai Chinogaramo and Special Matarirano, the play was directed by veteran theatre practitioner Eunice Tava. The soundtrack was provided by Tanaka Mwanangeni of the Music Crossroads Zimbabwe Academy.
To date, “Muchazondida” has been staged in Harare at Theatre Park, Charles Austin Theatre (Masvingo), and Campbell Theatre in Kadoma, where it attracted the attention of many. After a video of the play was shared online, four professional cyclists from Gutu — Maxwell Mafuta, Lloyd Garisa, twin brothers Taurai and Tonderai Mushininga — pledged to embark on a massive fundraising tour to help make Masango’s dream a reality.
The initiative will be held under the banner “Cycling for Edith — A Pan-African Journey of Endurance, Advocacy and Theatre.” The quartet will undertake a two-week transnational cycling expedition from Harare to Lilongwe, covering approximately 800–1 000km, culminating at the festival.
“There are four cyclists from Gutu who, after watching the play, have decided to cycle from Harare to Lilongwe, raising funds for the African tour of Muchazondida since it touches on serious issues,” Matarirano said.
“This initiative will begin their journey to Lilongwe on July 14, and they are ready for the expedition. We didn’t expect this from the cyclists, who are determined to ensure that Edith Masango’s dream comes true. We aim to raise between US$75000 and US$150 000.”
Marirarano also revealed that the money would cover Masango’s airfares, accommodation, and overall expenses. Due to limited funding, most theatre production houses have been operating on tight budgets.
“We came up with this concept after realising that sponsorship is hard to come by these days.
“For a start, we have made this initiative to ensure that we take our play across Africa.”
In another interview, Masango — who has been hailed a creative genius in theatre — said she was humbled by the quartet’s initiative.
“To be honest with you, I am excited that there are people who are ready to raise funds for my African tour,” she said.
“I have never met them and I have never spoken to them, but Major Matarirano has told me of this initiative. “I am ready for the tour of Malawi, which is part of my African expedition.”
Outlining her vision, Masango, who has been advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, said she was confident she will conquer the African continent.
“I am more than ready to perform the play all over Africa, and with the support of my team, I am confident that it can be achieved,” she boldly declared.
“This is what we have been longing for, and we are determined to take on Africa after the Malawi show.” According to its synopsis, “Muchazondida” is a powerful solo theatre production performed by Masango, aiming to develop, encourage, and motivate people who are differently abled to identify, pursue, and fight for their rights in a society filled with stereotypes and segregation.
The play emphasises empowering these groups to discover their inner, God-given abilities and talents as a means of combating stereotypes.
The play began rehearsals in October 2025 and culminated in its premiere at Jason Mphepo Little Theatre on December 12, 2025. It attracted nearly 70 attendees from the public and from organisations that support people with disabilities.
Audience members included representatives from Zimoco, where Edith Masango works as a switchboard operator, as well as participants from Jairos Jiri, Dorothy Duncan Braille School, and St. Christopher, among others.
After being embraced by many, “Muchazondida” will tour across Africa — into parliaments, cultural institutions, and public spaces — where it can directly influence policy, perception, and inclusion.
All of this will be made possible through the cycling initiative dubbed “Cycling for Edith,” which has emerged as a bold, high-impact fundraising and awareness campaign.
According to Matararirano’s team, this is not just a journey — it is a moving campaign, carrying Edith’s story across borders.
Masango’s story is not charity — it is authority, resilience, and representation, according to the team. The plays also mirrors societal attitudes toward disability, confronts systemic exclusion, and serves as a tool for engaging decision-makers, according to the team.
Peter Tanyanyiwa