Langalakhe Mabena
ZIMBABWE’s creative scene has been plunged into mourning after the death of veteran actor Fortune Ruzungude.
He was a pioneering figure in the performing arts whose contribution to theatre and television helped shape the country’s entertainment landscape.
Ruzungude belonged to the first generation of performers nurtured at Bulawayo’s iconic Amakhosi Theatre under the late celebrated playwright and director Cont Mhlanga.
He endeared himself to audiences through his memorable portrayal of Foromani in Sinjalo, the much-loved Amakhosi-produced television comedy.
According to his sister, Memory Ruzungude, the veteran actor died on 19 October at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare.
She said 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. As news of his death spread, fellow actors, playwrights and arts administrators paid tribute to a man they described as a dedicated performer, a dependable colleague and a humble pioneer whose legacy transcended the stage and screen.
Playwright and director Raisedon Baya described Ruzungude as one of the trailblazers who laid the foundations for Zimbabwean theatre.
“I have learnt with sadness the passing of yet another legend from the arts.
“Remember Foromani 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,” said Baya.
For veteran actress and arts administrator Priscilla Sithole, Ruzungude’s passing represents the loss of a colleague who, over nearly four decades, became family.
Sithole said their relationship had evolved from working together as performers into a close bond of friendship and kinship, strengthened by years of touring and collaborating on productions in Zimbabwe and abroad.
“Fortune was a humble person and a hard worker. Even if he was not feeling well, he would wake up and come to work.
“To him, fulfilling his task was the most important thing.
“I worked with him from 1987 as we toured Europe together courtesy of the Stitsha production.
“We went together to Switzerland, where he was directing a production titled Amanzi in 2004, together with Prudence Mabhena.
“We also worked together on Sinjalo, where I was production manager,” she said.
Sithole said she was particularly devastated by his death because they had spoken only the previous week, when he had indicated that he was feeling much better.
“I was constantly in touch with him because we were now family. We worked together very well.
“Even in difficult times, he would encourage us to soldier on, as he believed that things only get better when people continue trying.
“His passing on has shattered me,” she said.
Actor Bhekilizwe Ndlovu remembered Ruzungude as a warm-hearted and humble man whose portrayal of Foromani had left an enduring mark on audiences.
“Fortune was a dear brother and a hero in the arts. I will remember him for the character he played on Sinjalo as Foromani.
“His famous phrase, ‘Kulomuntu egedini,’ will forever be etched in my heart.
“He was a truly humble man who welcomed some of us newcomers at Amakhosi with a warm heart.
“His was total humility and love. May he rest in peace,” said Ndlovu.
Veteran actor, Memory Kumbota, said Ruzungude’s contribution to the arts extended beyond acting, with his talents also evident in directing, production and administration.
Kumbota recalled working with him during the early days of Sinjalo, in which Ruzungude played Foromani while Mackay Tickay portrayed Sakhumuzi.
The production was directed by Pedzisai Sithole and Cont Mhlanga.
“I later worked with him in several capacities and on different projects. He was a hard worker.
“He loved his art and was an easily likeable person. He was also an administrator of note, beyond his stage and film roles,” said Kumbota.
Seasoned actor Victor Martin Simbule also paid tribute to Ruzungude, describing him as a respected leader whose integrity and commitment to the arts earned him the admiration of his peers.
“Ruzungude was a great leader to all of us. He led with distinction, as he was a man of honour.
“Again, he has led the way and left us in disbelief and sorrow. May he rest easy and in power. I know his legacy will live on.
“To honour him, I will listen to Umkhulu lo Msebenzi by The Cool Crooners as I continue to think of our time at Amakhosi,” said Simbule.
