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VETERAN actor William “Gweshegweshe” Matenga will be laid to rest at Warren Hills Cemetery today after being accorded provincial hero status, resolving speculation among relatives over his final burial place.
The 65-year-old actor, who succumbed to hypertension at the weekend, will be buried in Harare following the State’s official recognition of his lifelong contributions to the ruling party and the creative arts.
Matenga’s burial arrangements had initially sparked debate within the family, with relatives divided over where he should be interred.
ZANU PF Harare Provincial Political Commissar Cde Voyage Dambuza confirmed the conferment of the status, praising the actor’s dual devotion to cultural and civic platforms.
“Gweshegweshe has been declared a provincial hero today, taking into account his contribution to the party and the development of the nation,” Cde Dambuza stated. “He was not only an actor, but was also actively involved in party and War Veterans Association activities. He was a dedicated cadre who served the party with distinction and recently performed as the Master of Ceremonies at the War Veterans Association meeting in Epworth.”
Matenga rose to national prominence through the popular Gringo television series on ZTV. He shared the screen with iconic cast members, including the late Lazarus “Gringo” Boora, Fanuel “Firimoni” Tonganayi, and Stembeni Makawa, who famously played Mai Gweshegweshe.
A close relative, Tarisai Nyikayaramba, expressed gratitude for the status, stating that the formal designation aligned with the late artist’s personal desires.
“We can’t thank the party enough for honouring Gweshegweshe’s wish to be buried alongside fellow comrades, as that was his wish,” Ms Nyikayaramba said. “He touched the hearts of millions with his acting prowess, which will remain engraved in the minds of many. We will miss all the humour and the legacy he left behind.” Matenga joins a growing list of prominent Zimbabwean creatives who have been accorded provincial hero status, including musical luminaries Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu, Soul Jah Love, and Dickson Chingaira Makoni, better known as Cde Chinx. The late superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi remains the highest-honoured creative in the country, having been declared a national hero before his burial in Madziva.
Matenga’s body was taken to his Zengeza 5 home in Chitungwiza yesterday, where it lay in state as large crowds of mourners, neighbours, and fellow actors gathered to pay their final respects. He is survived by seven children.
