Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWEAN businessman Mutumwa Mawere, who died on January 15, will be laid to rest on Monday at Fourways Memorial Park Cemetery in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mawere (66), who held South African citizenship, died in Johannesburg from complications linked to a stroke he suffered in 2024.
The decision to bury him in South Africa follows a court battle between the paternal and maternal sides of his family over his burial place.
The legal battle pitted Mawere’s paternal side represented by Mr Alex Mawere and the maternal side represented by Dr Irene Machiri.
Mawere’s paternal side strongly advocated for the repatriation of the businessman’s remains to his country of birth, Zimbabwe, while Dr Machiri reportedly favoured a burial at Fourways Memorial Park, a private cemetery in South Africa.
On Thursday, the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg ruled in favour of Dr Machiri, after finding the application by Mr Alex Mawere not urgent.
The court’s ruling cleared the way for funeral arrangements that had initially been scheduled for yesterday, to proceed on Monday, in Johannesburg.
Reads the ruling by Justice Nelisa Phiwokazi Mali: “Having read the documents filed of record and having heard counsel on behalf of the applicant and respondent and having considered the matter: It is hereby ordered that: (1) The matter is struck from the roll for lack of urgency; (2) The applicant shall pay the cost of the application, including the cost of counsel, on High Court scale B.”
Speaking on behalf of Zororo-Phumulani, the funeral service provider, chief executive officer Mr Oliver Mufudze said they will continue to be guided by the family.
However, he said once all was in place, the businessman would be given a befitting sendoff.
“Our role is to serve the family with dignity, sensitivity and respect during this difficult time,” said Mr Mufudze.
“We are working closely with the family to ensure that Mr Mawere is laid to rest in a manner that honours his life and fully reflects the wishes of the many lives that were touched by his generosity.”
Mr Mufudze added that the company’s logistics team was already on the ground, working tirelessly to deliver a dignified and seamless service in line with the agreed family arrangements.
Mawere was a towering figure in Zimbabwean and South African business circles, with interests spanning mining, manufacturing and banking.
Educated in Zimbabwe, Eswatini, the United Kingdom and the United States, he held impressive academic qualifications including a BSc in Economics, an MSc in Management and an MBA in Finance and Investments, alongside several professional certifications.
