Nkulumane MP Desire Moyo’s burial today

MOURNERS converged at the Nkulumane Hall in Bulawayo yesterday to bid farewell to legislator and renowned poet, Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo, who died in a tragic car accident on Friday.

He was travelling from Harare to Bulawayo when he hit an elephant near Shangani. Other passengers in the vehicle were seriously injured and are receiving medical attention in the city’s medical facilities.

Moyo’s untimely passing sent shockwaves across the Nkulumane community, with tributes pouring in from residents while the creative community also mourned the death of a man who inspired many artistes and commanded a huge following of fans.

Nkayi South MP, Mr Jabulani Hadebe, said he grew up together with Moyo in Nkulumane and considered him a brother.

“We used to joke that he was my MP in Nkulumane, where we grew up together but in Nkayi where he was building a rural home I was his MP,” he said.

“He was a lovable man who was quick to lend a listening ear and offer advice to anyone who was going through a difficult time in their lives.

“The residents of Nkulumane have lost a leader who worked hard to improve their lives.”
Residents’ association leaders described Moyo as a leader who took the concerns of residents seriously.

“The duties of an MP include a lot of travelling for Parliamentary business in Harare and other parts of the country but Honourable Moyo took time to meet residents’ leaders and listen to the concerns of residents.

“He grew up in Nkulumane and considered a lot of senior residents his parents and grandparents. So, he listened to us when he approached his office with concerns,” said Mrs Dorcas Ncube.
Business people in the constituency, civil leaders and residents also took to the stage to give eulogies of the man who was a teacher by profession, a poet and later joined politics.

The City of Bulawayo honoured the late Moyo with a ‘Bulawayo hero’ status, meaning he will be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery today.

The decision comes after the Moyo family and the city’s arts fraternity petitioned the local authority to honour his immense contribution to the arts and community development.

In recognition of his impact, the Bulawayo City Council has also offered the family free use of the Bulawayo Amphitheatre, where a memorial service will be held on the day of his burial.
Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, confirmed the development saying the city was proud to celebrate the legacy of one of its most outstanding creative sons.

“The city is pleased to announce that it has acceded to the request by the Moyo family and the artistes fraternity to award him the Bulawayo Hero status and lay him to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery,” said Clr Coltart.

“We have also granted the family free use of the Amphitheatre for the memorial service. We thank our City Fathers and Mothers for recognising his contribution to the arts and the people of Bulawayo.”