Online Reporter
Bruce Ndlovu, Zimpapers Writer
A day after he was given a raucous send-off in Bulawayo, socialite and media personality Babongile Sikhonjwa was yesterday laid to rest in more serene surroundings next to his kin in a dust-raising ceremony held at his family’s homestead in Mlowezi Village, Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province.
Beer flowed and anecdotes about his life were shared among friends as it finally began to dawn on those closest to him that this was now the last party for the man widely known as The Ndebele Rock Star.
In true Sikhonjwa fashion, the night leading to his burial was a full-blown carnival as family and friends vowed to bid farewell to him in a way they said they knew he would have loved.
Businesspeople, socialites, artistes and individuals from diverse backgrounds navigated the challenging terrain to Mlowezi for the State-assisted burial of a man who had made his name in the urban settings of Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Away from the bright lights of more metropolitan surroundings, Sikhonjwa was finally at home among villagers in Mlowezi, who braved the unforgiving early morning heat to join his family in bidding farewell to a man who had put the Sikhonjwas on the map.
When it was all said and done, after heaps of dirt had been piled on his grave, Sikhonjwa’s father joined his friends as they took shots and sprinkled whisky over his grave.
It was a poignant and fitting send-off for a man who had always been unapologetic about his outlook on life and the lifestyle that he led.
Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Mabutho Moyo described the late socialite as a galvanising figure whose influence would be missed in Bulawayo.
“There was no one like Babongile. He had this ability to bring together everyone that was unmatched in Bulawayo, and you can tell from the type of people who have come to say goodbye to him.
“We have people from all walks of life here and it is just a reflection of the type of man that he was,” he said.
City Link Coaches regional manager, Edith Chinguwa, for whom the broadcaster was an ambassador, described him as an asset whose social capital was invaluable for the company.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of our brand ambassador, Babongile Sikhonjwa. He was more than a partner he was a beloved member of the City Link Coaches family,” she said.
“Babongile’s vibrant personality, dedication and passion were truly unmatched. He brought immense energy and life to our brand and we will forever be grateful for his contributions.”
Chinguwa said Sikhonjwa’s absence leaves a void that will be felt by all who knew him.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Babongile’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Ms Sithembisile Moyo, a villager, said they had only seen Babongile occasionally but marvelled with pride whenever he was mentioned, as he put the Sikhonjwa name on the map.
“In our lifetimes, we haven’t seen a spectacle of this kind and I guess it is a credit to the young man who is being buried here.
“He was not a villager and he made his name in the big towns, but we all knew that he would one day return home, in the same way that his son will one day also return home,” she said.
“This is home. We are proud because wherever he went, he was welcomed with open arms because of what he did.
“His work spoke for itself and the people who have come here today are a testament to that work. We are proud of what he did.”
Bongani Ndlovu