Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Senior Lifestyle Writer
Gogo Priscilla Mundawarara of Borrowdale, Harare, is a testament to a life richly lived—highly favoured and profoundly blessed.
Celebrated as a prayer warrior, philanthropist and counsellor, she thoroughly deserves every bit of honour as she marks her 90th birthday, a remarkable milestone.
The widow of the esteemed medical practitioner Dr Silas Mundawarara remains sharp in mind and spirit, effortlessly moving through her community.
Originally from South Africa, Gogo Mundawarara (née Mankai) has dedicated herself to serving the people of Zimbabwe.
Despite initially settling in Luveve in Bulawayo, then Highfield, Westwood and Marimba Park, she embraced her new home by learning Shona, which she speaks fluently, albeit with a charming South African accent.
As she approaches her centenary, she continues to be a wellspring of wisdom, a nurturing mother, and a true friend.
The glowing tributes shared during her belated 90th birthday celebrations, hosted by Doves Funeral Services, affirm her status as a pillar of the community.
For receiving her flowers while she can still appreciate them, Gogo Mundawarara’s nine decades on this earth is a feat that many in today’s generation can only aspire to.
The High Tea event—held by invitation only—will remain a cherished memory for attendees. Gogo Mundawarara (centre) is being helped to cut the cake
One of her dear friends, Gogo Mushore, expressed her gratitude and emotions movingly:
“I was sick and bedridden before I arrived, but now I feel at peace because I have held her hand.
“I can now die because I have managed to be with my friend.”
Reflecting on old times spent together in Old Marimba, she added, “It’s been a long journey, and I’m grateful to celebrate this special day with her.”
On this momentous occasion, Gogo Mundawarara remained humble, offering heartfelt thanks to her guests and everyone who made the celebration possible.
“I can only say thank you to all of you gathered here. Special thanks to Doves, who are going to bury me. When I see your vehicle passing by, I feel happy because I know you will bury me,” she stressed.
The easy-going grandmother, who effortlessly connects with many generations, is never short of admirers.
Unlike some people who break down when they are celebrated like royalty, Gogo Mundawarara remains calm and composed. At one point, the grand event nearly turned into a prayer session, where life was celebrated in style.
Among the attendees was Commissioner Vinece Chigariro, a close relative and friend of Gogo Mundawarara, who shared a glowing testimony about the grandmother’s journey through life.
“My daughter-in-law has never changed from the first time I met her in Chiweshe in 1970 until now,” she narrated.
“She has been a pillar for our family and someone who wants us to excel in life. She loves every family member equally and is, above all, a prayer warrior who has touched many hearts.”
Commissioner Chigariro (71) told The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle that it is every person’s wish to live a long life.
“Her birthday is a milestone for us because we have known her as a wonderful person all these years. It’s no surprise that she received such treatment, befitting her 90th birthday, with support from major corporations like Doves coming on board. We can’t thank God enough for blessing us in this way.”
She also urged people to eat healthily, exercise, and pray for longevity. “We have a lot to learn from this woman to live longer, and God’s grace is one of the gifts of life that we need at all times.”
Gogo Mundawarara’s sons — Mudiwa and Tendayi— could not hide their elation as they honoured their mother.
“All I want to say today is that 90 years is something special, and we don’t see you as old but as classic. Like all classics, you become more valuable with age,” said Tendayi in his speech.
His brother, Mudiwa, was also touched by the love she had received from strangers.
“You are an amazing woman, judging by the amount of love we’ve received from videos sent by other people. When I grow up, I would like to be like my mother,” joked Mudiwa, eliciting laughter from the guests.
Donning matching outfits, the two siblings made the event an unforgettable experience where life was celebrated in style. They also praised her for shaping them into pillars of strength who continue to change many lives. Their speeches and testimonies were well-crafted and flawless.
One of her “adopted” children is veteran broadcaster John Matinde, who regards her as a real mother. He boasts that it is a blessing to have been associated with the Mundawarara family for over 50 years.
“I have known her since the 70s, and being invited here to grace the occasion is a huge milestone that I will forever cherish. As for Gogo Mundawarara, I consider her my mother because of everything she has done in my life,” he asserted.
“During the time we grew up in Harare, I found all the love from this woman and her husband,” he noted.
Matinde, who was also close to Gogo Mundawarara’s late husband, firmly believes there is something special about her.
“God loves my mother; she has been this way since I got to know her, and I feel proud to be here with you. I never thought this day would come, and I am happy that it has,” he pointed out.
Innocent Tshuma, the group public relations manager for Doves Holdings in Zimbabwe, who also facilitated the birthday party, shared that it was more than just a celebration.
“What many people think is that Doves only celebrates when someone dies, but we also celebrate long life. Today, we are celebrating Gogo Mundawarara, a woman of faith,” he noted.
Being a huge milestone that is hard to attain in life, Gogo Mundawarara’s fairytale should be recorded to inspire future generations. Judging by the outpouring of love and feedback, the grandmother is highly favoured and cherished by her family.
According to testimonies, it has been nine decades well-lived and hard to ignore. Every guest who attended the event left richer with nuggets of wisdom about life.
A long life is not just about luck but also about God’s grace and prayer, as embodied in Gogo Mundawarara, a mother and prayer warrior.
Throughout her years in Zimbabwe, she has imparted immense wisdom about peace and unity. As a community builder, counsellor, and mother figure to many, her legacy will be cherished for years to come.
While many peers from her generation have passed away, the Mundawarara family is blessed to be learning from the best they have now. Gogo Mundawarara is a mother of four children—Mudiwa, Tendayi, Mandisa (Late) and Vuyelwa. She has also been blessed with nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
As she embarks on her journey to the “10th floor” and toward becoming a centenarian, Gogo Mundawarara has seen it all. She has nurtured several generations and has proven to the world that God blesses
His own in unique ways. At 90, with love from many in society, this is a significant achievement for Gogo Mundawarara.
Her long life, rooted in prayer, healthy eating, and family support, continues to be some of the secrets to her longevity.
