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Trust Khosa
Hundreds of people from all walks of life yesterday bade farewell to veteran actress Susan “Mai Rwizi” Chenjerai, who was laid to rest yesterday at Warren Hills Cemetery, Harare.
Mai Rwizi (83) died last Friday after a short illness.
She was accorded a State-assisted funeral.
Government representative and Zanu PF Central Committee Member, Cde Webster Shamu, hailed President Mnangagwa for according Mai Rwizi a befitting send-off through a State-assisted funeral.
“I would like to thank President Mnangagwa for according Susan Chenjerai this honour.
“All the funeral expenses were covered by the Government led by our father President Mnangagwa. Luminaries of Chenjerai’s calibre should be celebrated uniquely.
“We are also going to give you a flag that you are going to hoist each time we celebrate independence,” he said. Cde Shamu urged the family to remain united as was advocated by Mai Rwizi, who died a born-again Christian.
“We do not want to hear of any estate wrangles after this burial. I urge the uncles and other greedy relatives to maintain peace within the family. If there are any people who want to grab your property, tell me and I will take it further to the President,” he said.
Cde Shamu assured the family that President Mnangagwa’s door will always remain open to the family.
“President Mnangagwa is now your father and you don’t need to be shy to air your grievances to him through us.
“He sent me here to deliver the good news that he is behind you and all of us including myself.”
Mai Rwizi was buried next to the late musician Zex Manatsa and wife Stella. Former Dynamos legend, George Shaya, is also buried at the same cemetery.
During the course of her life, Mai Rwizi rubbed shoulders with the trio buried at the same site.
Her burial was dominated by her fellow congregants from The New Gospel of God church where she was a pastor.
Mai Rwizi was a household name in the “80s and 90s” when she starred in the drama series “Mhuri yaVaMukadota” which was popular on ZTV. A favourite of many, Mai Rwizi played her role with finesse.
Born a natural actor, her journey in acting started in 1951 when she was a member of the Bantu group, whose cast was made up of Mbare actors. During the same period, she joined Marandellas Bush Babies and made an impact.
When she ventured into music, she worked closely with the late Jordan Chataika, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and Zex Manatsa among other yesteryear stars.
She later joined Safirio Madzikatire’s Safe Brothers Band in 1969. Owing to her talent, Mai Rwizi was scouted when she was still in school and never looked back.
She quit acting in 1984 when she became a born-again Christian.
A God-fearing woman, Mai Rwizi was hailed as a counsellor, marriage builder and provider who looked after a big family.
Congregants from her church, who attended the burial described her as a prayer warrior who changed many lives and taught them to spread love.
Family members and close relatives also hailed Mai Rwizi as a role model who was determined to redeem lost sheep back to Christ.
Online Reporter