Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
A family disagreement has emerged over the final resting place of veteran actor William “Gweshegweshe” Matenga, with relatives still divided over whether he should be buried in Buhera or Harare.
With no known instruction from the late actor specifying where he wished to be buriedt, the question of his final resting place has become a contentious issue, according to some family members.
A section of the family was looking at Warren Hills as a possible burial place as the popular actor was subject of an application to have him granted a provincial hero status for his contribution to the liberation struggle and service to the country afterwards.
Outside of the possible provincial hero status, multiple sources at his funeral wake in Zengeza 5, Chitungwiza, said discussions over the burial arrangements had exposed differences within the family, with some relatives favouring the family cemetery in Buhera.
Those insisting on Buhera cited numerous people who were still buried at their rural homes despite being granted hero status.
The disagreements have added uncertainty to the burial arrangements for the 65-year-old actor, whose death has plunged the creative sector and his community into mourning.
“There was a fierce meeting regarding Gweshegweshe’s choice of burial place, as some family members preferred that his remains be interred at the family cemetery,” said an insider familiar with the developments.
“The same relatives told us that they had a say in where Gweshegweshe should be buried.
“For now, there appears to be an impasse regarding his preferred burial place.”
As of yesterday afternoon, family spokesperson Peter Chafewa said the application for provincial hero status was still being pursued, with paperwork yet to be finalised.
Gweshegweshe, who died on Saturday after succumbing to hypertension, was not only a celebrated actor but also a former soldier and ex-combatant who served his country.
Chafewa revealed that the burial was likely to be delayed as the family awaited clarity on the actor’s status.
“The burial of Gweshegweshe is likely to be postponed since the War Veterans Association for Harare Province, where he was also one of the leaders, wants clarity on his status,” Chafewa said.
“There is a team which left this morning to process his papers in town, but they are yet to give us tangible feedback.
“This team is made up of his son Kudakwashe, who is studying IT at the University of Zimbabwe, his former wife and a few relatives.
“It is my hope that the paperwork will be processed in time so that we can give him a decent burial befitting his status.”
The family was also waiting for some of Matenga’s children, who are based outside the country, to arrive before the burial arrangements could be concluded.
“Another issue which is pending is that the family is waiting for the arrival of his son Lawrence, who works in Australia, and his South Africa-based son, Lloyd Matenga, who is an advocate.
“The other son, Kuda, is around and he has been helping his mother to process the paperwork.”
As the family grapples with the burial arrangements, Chafewa also revealed that the veteran actor had been battling health challenges since last year, although his condition was initially managed.
“Sometime last year or so, he was diagnosed with prostate gland enlargement, which was then compounded by hypertension.
“The first health scare (prostate gland enlargement) was addressed, but it kept recurring.
“The last time I spoke to him was last Friday when we were talking about something to do with fixing electricity since I am an electrical engineer myself.
“He was in a jovial mood that Friday and had played snooker at Limbani Shops in Zengeza 5, which was his favourite spot.”
Chafewa said he was shocked to learn that Gweshegweshe had fallen ill later that evening.
“I was shocked to hear that he was unwell around 9pm. He was pronounced dead upon admission.
“We have lost a giant in the creative sector, a community defender and a loving father who was always ready to unite his community.
“Life will never be the same without him because he was indeed a unifier who preached peace and harmony.”
Beyond his celebrated television career, Gweshegweshe was remembered by neighbours and fellow war veterans as a man, who valued peace and community cohesion.
Former detainee and ex-combatant Patricia Mutuswa, whose liberation struggle name is Cde Chido, described him as a role model whose influence extended beyond entertainment.
“I have known him since 1982, when we became beneficiaries of houses in Zengeza.
“We used to meet during our meetings as war veterans in this area, and he was always a man of peace,” she said.
Gweshegweshe, who had retired from the army, was also an avid snooker player and a familiar face at Limbani Shops in Zengeza 5.
“I grew up admiring him because he was indeed a friendly man who had the community at heart.
“I used to accompany him whenever he went to play snooker at Limbani Shops.
“I was with him on the day he fell ill. I am also here mourning our hero. He deserved this status, and I will forever cherish him as a leader, father figure and mentor.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by his former churchmate, Gogo Farai Mbuzi, who hailed Gweshegweshe as a respected community leader.
“We never had problems with him, and I am glad that we are here mourning him.
“We await the processing of his papers and the outcome of Harare Province’s application for him to be accorded provincial hero status. He deserved it, and we will surely miss him.”
Meanwhile, the steady stream of mourners arriving at his residence continued to demonstrate the impact he had made in his community.
Congregants from St Agnes Roman Catholic Church were also playing a leading role in coordinating the burial arrangements, while fellow comrades, neighbours and fans continued to pay their respects.
By around 4pm yesterday, none of his fellow actors had been seen at the residence, although they were expected to arrive later in the evening or attend the burial ceremony.
Gweshegweshe is survived by seven children. Mourners are gathered at No. 12 Mupangara, Zengeza 5, Chitungwiza.
