Bruce Ndlovu [email protected]
VETERAN actor Fortune Ruzungude, who won the hearts of Zimbabweans with his portrayal of Folomani in Sinjalo, the classic Amakhosi-produced television drama, has died.
Ruzungude’s sister, Memory Ruzungude, confirmed that the actor died at Parirenyatwa Hospital yesterday afternoon.
According to Memory, Ruzungude had relocated from his Bulawayo home to his rural home in Nharira, near Chivhu, as his health deteriorated over the past few months.
He is expected to be buried in Nharira on Thursday.
Meanwhile, playwright and director Raisedon Baya has paid tribute to Ruzungude, describing him as one of the pioneers of Zimbabwean theatre.
“Yesterday I learnt with sadness the passing of yet another legend from the arts,” Baya wrote on social media.
“Remember Folomani from the hit comedy Sinjalo by Amakhosi Theatre. Fortune Ruzungude was a pioneer, one of the first crop of performers at Amakhosi Theatre.
“He featured in Stitsha, Jazzman – The Story of Life and Dabulap. He is one of those who paved the way, especially in theatre. I hear he breathed his last in Harare. I hope his footprints remain visible for many generations to come.”
