Online Reporter
H-Metro Reporter
VETERAN music producer, Clive Mono Mukundu, has shared the pain of his family being forced to attend his sister’s funeral, in the United States, via video link from a screen in Harare.
The family member, who was co-ordinating the funeral from her base in the United States, was involved in an accident, on the day of the burial, and was forced to follow the ceremony from her hospital bed.
Mono revealed that American authorities rejected his family’s application for visas to travel to the United States for the funeral of his sister Cleo.
He said Cleo chose to be laid to rest in the United States for the sake of her daughter.
Unfortunately, it meant that a number of her family members, including Mono, were unable to travel to the United States for her funeral.
“The death of my sister in the United States taught me that the Zimbabwe diaspora situation is forcing us to accept a new reality in a variety of areas, particularly funerals,” said Mono on his social media platforms.
“She had stated that she wanted to be buried in the United States for the sake of her daughter, which was not an issue.
“The problem arose when all of us, her siblings, were denied visas to attend the burial.
“So we decided to have a virtual funeral. So, last Saturday, we gathered as a family and friends at the Zimbabwe College of Music, rented a large screen, and watched the proceedings from there. “Obviously, it is not what we desired, but it was a better bad outcome of the two bad situations.”
He added:
“Our muzukuru Florence Benesto, who lives in the United States, did all of the running around with my sister’s friends.
“On the day of the burial, tragedy struck again, she was involved in an accident with her mother, so they watched from hospital beds too.
“Get well soon.”
He thanked the staff at the Zimbabwe College of Music for providing his family with a place from where they could follow the funeral proceedings.
“Thank you to Dr Chigwanda and the Zimbabwe College of Music team for providing us with the space.
“Thank you to everyone who showed up, including friends and relatives. Rest in peace, Cleo.”
There has been an outpouring of sympathy towards Mono and his family.
Here are some of the comments online:
Nematambudziko muzukuru. — Victor Kunonga
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Ko ma visa vanenge vachiti kudiiko panguva dzakadai? Zvakaoma hazvo…Nematambudziko. – Norman Madakuchekwa
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Maihwe pakuzoshaya mavisa ekuti munochema muri pamwechete, it’s so sad. – Fadzai Sithole
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Rufu ndimadzongonyedze. Nyaradzwai panguva dzakaoma kudai. – Tichaona Chifamba
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Painful reality. – DIZHA POWER
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My deepest condolences. MHSRIP. – Emmanuel Katsamudanga
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Shame very painful indeed very sorry Mono may the soul of our beloved sister rest in peace. – Tafadzwa Mujeyi
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I would love to buried where my kids are also. Wise choice. – Spelile Fatima Ngwerume Katona
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My deepest condolences my brother. Keeping you and family in thoughts and prayers. – Blessing Zulu
