Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TODAY, the Bulawayo arts fraternity bids farewell to one of its most passionate creatives, Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo, who will be laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery. Moyo, 45, died on October 10 after the vehicle he was travelling in from Harare to Bulawayo collided with an elephant near Shangani.
As the city gathers at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre for his memorial service, colleagues, family, and fans will not only mourn his loss but also celebrate a man who was a poet, arts director and community leader.
Yesterday, Moyoxide’s hearse toured Bulawayo. The procession passed through several symbolic landmarks, including the Bulawayo Theatre, the Large City Hall and the Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo statue — places deeply tied to the city’s cultural and historical identity.
The convoy then proceeded to Nkulumane, passing through KoSokusile Bus Terminus and Nkulumane Hall, before the body was later taken to Kingdom Blue Funeral Parlour in Kelvin.
Born on October 11, 1979 in Nkayi, Matabeleland North, Moyoxide’s journey in the performing arts began in 1990 at Malinga Primary School, where he took part in the iconic production Ipi Ntombi.
His early exposure to the stage sparked a lifelong love for performance and storytelling.
During his time at Manama High School (1993–1996), he became an active member of the drama club and formed a lifelong creative partnership with Mothusi Bashimane Ndlovu, better known today as Madlela Sikhobokhobo. The two would later share professional stages, their friendship anchored in a shared belief that art could change lives.
After high school, Moyoxide pursued a Diploma in Secondary Education at Hillside Teachers’ College and briefly taught at Manama High School. However, his calling to the arts proved stronger than the classroom walls.
In 1998, he founded Missing Peace Performing Arts, which later evolved into Victory Siyanqoba Multi-Stage Arts International, and ultimately into Victory Siyanqoba Trust in 2011. The youth-driven organisation became a beacon for social commentary through theatre, tackling issues such as social injustice, HIV and Aids and youth empowerment.
Beyond performance, Moyoxide was a visionary mentor. He established Moyoxide Ideations and the Eziko Theatre Laboratory, spaces dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. His creative programmes, including Re-Birth (2025) and Umnyaka Wobuciko (From Concepts to Masterpieces), became platforms for young artists to grow, innovate and tell their own stories.
In 2023, Moyoxide extended his influence to national service, becoming a Member of Parliament for Nkulumane Constituency.
Moyoxide is survived by his wife and three children.
