Online Reporter
H-Metro Reporter
NEXT week, the country will mark the fifth anniversary of that dark day when television and radio personality Zororo Makamba became the first Zimbabwean to succumb to COVID-19.
He was only 30 when he died on March 23, 2020.
Zororo had just returned from the United States when he became ill and died from COVID-19 complications.
The powerful message from his father, James, confirming his son’s death still has a ringtone pregnant with pain today just as it did five years ago.
“There is no loss more painful and enduring than that of parents losing their child. My wife, Irene and I, have experienced this pain no fewer than three times,” said James.
“Our two surviving children, Kushinga and Tawanda, also went through the deep pain of losing three siblings.
“The Makamba family expresses deep gratitude to friends and relatives who comforted us in difficult circumstances of social distance and quarantine.
“We thank them all for their prayers and thoughts. We were touched that many people recognised Zororo’s immense talent as a communicator. His loss is thus not confined to his family and friends.
“The country and the profession lost an outstanding talent. For that we are extremely proud and grateful. Zororo, your name demands that you rest in peace.
“The family and all those whose lives you touched will always love you and thank you for your short but highly productive life.”
His former school, St John’s College, unveiled the Zororo Makamba Memorial Gate at the school in September 2022.
The school remembered a student who not only excelled in academics, which saw him study at a university in the United States, but an excellent all-rounder who also excelled in sport for the Rams.
“Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to Mr and Mrs Makamba, his fiancé Nyari Mutezo, siblings, friends and the entire St John’s Community,” the school said.
“We have been robbed of a young man of extraordinary energy, vision and competence.
“In his Upper 6th year, in 2008, Zororo was a College Prefect, played for the Rams in Basketball and 1st XV.
“He was an accomplished athlete whose four school track records in 100m, 400m, 200m and 110m hurdles remain unshattered.
“After leaving the College, Zororo enrolled at Michigan State University in 2009 and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication in 2012.
“Zororo later enrolled at New York Film Academy, in 2015 where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Film Production in 2017.
“Zororo was a gifted broadcaster and media personality who will be fondly remembered for his Point of View and State of The Nation productions.
“We had met several times with Zororo over the past two years as he was determined to commit in various ways once again to his Alma Mater as an Old Boy.
“Eloquent and articulate, Zororo was an individual who, with sharp wit and humour, always enthused optimism and positivity.”
