Online Reporter
THE death of actor William “Gweshegweshe” Matenga is a significant loss to Zimbabwe’s creative and cultural landscape as he was a multi-talented and accomplished artist whose contribution to acting, television, film and journalism enriched the country’s cultural heritage and helped shape its storytelling tradition, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe has said.
Matenga succumbed to hypertension on Saturday morning.
He was 68.
In a condolence message today, Minister Sanyatwe expressed profound sadness at the loss of a man whose life and career reflected a journey of service, creativity and dedication to his country.
“His passing is a significant loss to Zimbabwe’s creative and cultural landscape. He was a multi-talented and accomplished artist whose contribution to acting, television, film and journalism enriched the country’s cultural heritage and helped shape its storytelling tradition,” Minister Sanyatwe said.
Minister Sanyatwe
“He leaves a huge void in the nation’s creative industry, particularly within the film and television fraternity, where his distinctive talent, experience and contribution to the development of the performing arts will be deeply missed.”
Matenga was born on September 9, 1958 in Buhera, Manicaland province.
He was not only a household name in the arts but also a liberation war veteran.
Following Zimbabwe’s independence, he served in the military before pursuing his passion for the creative arts.
His formal artistic journey began in 1984 when he joined the Screen Talent Drama Club.
Eager to hone his craft, he further developed his professional skills through studies in Media and Journalism at Harare Polytechnic.
His versatility extended beyond the screen into journalism, where he contributed articles to Spotlight on Zimbabwe, a magazine formerly published by the Ministry of Information.
Matenga’s artistic footprint extended far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Before becoming a local icon, he featured in notable international productions, including King Solomon’s Mine in 1985 and Steve Biko in 1987.
However, it was his subsequent performances alongside the late Lazarus Boora, popularly known as Gringo, that cemented his place in the hearts of Zimbabwean audiences across generations.
His role in the celebrated Gringo drama series and Gringo Troublemaker made him a beloved figure in local pop culture.
Despite Matenga’s death, Minister Sanyatwe added, his remarkable body of work remains an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire emerging actors and generations of creatives.
