Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Seasoned theatre actor Mandla Moyo has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, musician and actress Beater Mangethe, describing her as a remarkable talent whose contribution to Bulawayo’s arts industry remains unforgettable.
Moyo and Mangethe forged a close friendship during their formative years at Amakhosi Theatre Productions, the renowned arts institution founded and directed by the late arts icon Cont Mhlanga. The pair were classmates in the theatre group’s training programme and shared a passion for performing arts.
Reflecting on their friendship, Moyo remembered Mangethe as a gifted entertainer who excelled in multiple disciplines.
“Siphuma khona emzini weyinsizwa! Yes, she was right, kuseMakokoba lapho. Beater was a very close friend of mine. We were in the same drama class during our student days at Amakhosi Theatre Productions.
“A singer, an actress and a dancer, she was always smiling and ready to entertain. We did a lot together as a team.
May you continue resting in peace, soldier. Soldiers never die; they only sleep. I salute you,” said Moyo.
Mangethe died on June 12, 2010, at the age of 32, barely two months after the death of her husband, former footballer Lenny Gwata. Her passing robbed Zimbabwe of one of its most versatile entertainers at a time when her star was rapidly rising.
Before her untimely death, Mangethe had established herself as one of the country’s most promising musicians after emerging from the celebrated Amakhosi Theatre stable. She is best remembered for her smash hit I Come from Makokoba, a township anthem that proudly celebrated Bulawayo’s oldest suburb and resonated with audiences across Matabeleland and beyond.
Her catalogue also featured popular tracks such as Africa Mama, Sizomlobola, Lithini Ngalezi, Ngeze Africa and Succeed, showcasing her versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Beyond music, Mangethe enjoyed a successful acting career and earned acclaim for her roles in television dramas including Stitsha and Hlengiwe, where she demonstrated the same charisma that made her a household name on stage and in music.
One of her most celebrated collaborations was Kumafaro, a duet with sungura legend Alick Macheso. The song became a national hit, helping bridge audiences across Zimbabwe’s linguistic and cultural divides.
