marble nkomo
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
HUNDREDS of mourners, drawn from family, friends, congregants and the creative fraternity, gathered yesterday at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Bulawayo to bid a final farewell to veteran actor Aleck Zulu.
Zulu, widely celebrated for his portrayal of “Skoro” on Amakhosi’s Amakorokoza, passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 54. He was laid to rest yesterday at Umvutsha Cemetery in Bulawayo.
A cross-section of Zimbabwe’s theatre and film industry — a true “who’s who” of the arts — attended the emotional funeral service, joining together to celebrate a life that left an indelible mark both on stage and beyond it.
Renowned playwright Raisedon Baya, who shared more than three decades of friendship with Zulu, paid tribute to a man whose life, he said, was a work of art.
“The Lord gave Zulu blank pages, and he filled those 54 years with colours and ink, creating a brilliant script. He was a jovial character who lived many lives, as an actor, as a devoted Roman Catholic, and as a simple man who enjoyed life with his friends,” said Baya.
Baya went on to reflect on the many layers that defined Zulu’s life and craft.
“There is Aleck Zulu, the public thinks they know – the one on television, and on stage. Then there is the Aleck Zulu, known by his true friends and churchmates. Every person lives two or more lives simultaneously, but for a performer like Aleck, that divide was even wider.
“I knew him from the rehearsal rooms, the Aleck who went on stage and became so many mesmerising characters.
“I saw him on countless film sets: the sweat, the creative frustration, the vulnerability of a man always trying to ‘become’ something else before the lights or cameras went on. Yet off stage, he lived a totally different private life, one only his closest friends could speak of. His life was simple yet complex — he was a total human being.”
Another veteran actor and director, who was both a colleague and a close family friend, spoke with deep emotion about their bond.
“In Zulu, I lost a son and, above all, a dedicated craftsman who respected his job. When my brother relocated to Zambia, he left Zulu under my care. I am crushed by his departure, but content knowing he lived life to the fullest.
“A day before he died, he called me and said he felt like resting and was happy that everyone he lived with enjoyed life with him.”
Filmmaker and close friend Percy Soko recalled their youthful beginnings at the same church.
“I met Zulu at St Patrick’s Church when we were young. He made me fall in love with filming, telling me I was talented and could make it in life through film. Standing here today, with Zulu before us, I feel shattered, but grateful to have shared part of his life. He was genuine, honest, and feared God.”
Actor Zenzo Nyathi, who frequently performed alongside Zulu in skits popularly known as “the Security Guards”, said their partnership defined much of his career.
“Throughout my career, my closest associate was Zulu. Our combination on stage and in front of the camera was admired by many.”
Aleck “Snake” Zulu, often mistaken for the late “Skoro”, spoke of their lifelong bond.
“I grew up with Aleck, and we complemented each other in acting. People often confused our personalities and the characters we played on Amakorokoza, but we laughed it off as the ‘Zulu’ boys. I will miss my beloved brother. May he rest in peace.”
As Aleck Zulu is laid to rest, there is hope that his story will continue to live on — in the memories of audiences, the hearts of fellow creatives and the lasting legacy he leaves behind in Zimbabwe’s theatre and film industry.
Online Reporter