Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
THOUGH yesteryear actress Rhoda Mtembe, popularly known as Mai Sorobhi, is no more, her legacy will endure forever.
This sentiment was evidently shared among the late actress’ close relatives at the unveiling of her tombstone at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare over the weekend.
With the tombstone donated by Tendai Mbofana, the owner of Ngoda Granites, the event turned into a grand celebration attended by family members who honoured her remarkable status.
With August set aside as Heroes’ Month, Mai Sorobhi’s family celebrated the departed actress in style at this event, which will remain engraved in the minds of many in attendance.
She succumbed to a stroke in 2022 at the age of 79, leaving a significant void in the film and television sector.
Three years after her death, the family was finally able to celebrate the iconic actress who starred in several drama series, including “Paraffin”.
All this joy was felt last weekend as the family embraced the donation of her tombstone.
Mai Sorobhi’s sister, Joyce Muzimba, who attended the event, could not hide her elation.
“We are grateful that the programmes went according to plan and the donation we received from Ngoda Granites speaks volumes about how some organisations celebrate our icons. Words alone are not enough to express the love I have for these benefactors.
“When they approached us with this idea, we were unsure if they would fulfil their promise, but we are glad they did,” she stressed. I still can’t believe that my sister was adored by so many, as evidenced by this gesture. Now that the place has been decorated, her fans and family can visit and see where her remains were interred.”
Muzimba firmly believes that this gesture will go a long way in honouring her sister. We all know what she achieved in the film industry, and it would be unfair not to acknowledge the good deeds she did. When she died, we received support from the Government, Nyaradzo and others, and the same support is still present today,” she emphasised.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Mai Sorobhi’s daughter, Martha Mtembe, who was overwhelmed by the donation.
“To be honest, I didn’t know that people still cared until this weekend when the event finally took place,” she remarked. “We don’t know why they decided to contribute in this way and assist us. We will always cherish the good things they have done for us.”
Martha stressed that the donation was a significant boost to the family as they honoured their heroine.
“Such events are crucial for our families since history will be made. My mother’s gravesite has been given a decent look, and this milestone will go a long way in honouring our mother,” she added.
Mbofana, who has designed colourful tombstones for luminaries including Cde Dick “Chinx” Chingaira, Soul Jah Love, Lazarus “Gringo” Boora, former soccer administrator Eddie “Mboma” Nyatanga, and many others, revealed that Mai Sorobhi was an icon who deserved this honour.
“To be honest, I have always wanted to give back to the community. She entertained us during her lifetime, and this is the only way to honour her as an icon. I have made similar donations out of love and respect for her achievements,” Mbofana stated.
“What is only left now is the completion of the QR code, which will be engraved on her tombstone. She deserves it because of her status and the impactful journey she travelled.”
Mai Sorobhi dominated the screen in the 90s, doing her job effortlessly. Glowing tributes that poured in after her death were enough to show how revered she was. She was in the same league as Susan Chenjerai among other yesteryear actresses.
Before venturing into acting, she worked for the City of Harare at a clinic in Glen View. She then started acting in dramas that focused on child abuse, HIV and AIDS.
