adminIf so, you stand to be corrected.
At funerals, average families spend less as they ponder over rentals, bills, school fees and other everyday costs.
Mourners largely have to do with cabbages and other cheap foods to relieve pressure on the pockets of the bereaved.
But this is not a one-size-fits-all affair.
Things were done differently in Helensvale following the death of Enphant Nakhozwe (35).
The affable group finance director of Moonlight Provident Associates died in a car crash in the early hours of last Saturday.
His Jaguar XJ Coupe — believed to be one of four such cars in Harare – rammed into a pre-cast wall 200 metres from his home.
The other two proud owners of that model are business executive Farai Matsika and Dr Munyaradzi Kereke, the former RBZ advisor.
His wife, Tarisai Nakhozwe nee Chironga, was told of the horror crash minutes after a passer-by had positively identified Enphant trapped in the luxury car.
The passer-by reached for his phone and dialled the last number which happened to be that of Enphant’s wife.
From then on, the news of Enphat aka Phanty’s death spread including pictures of the car crash on social forums like Facebook and WhatsApp.
Within hours, hordes of people trickled in at the plush home to console the family and relatives who had gathered by then, including the Diasporans who turned mourning into celebration.
Outside the gate, the road was jammed with top-of-the-range cars from the who’s who of Harare.
Mourners were treated to live music with songs of the moment, “Sean Timba” and Jah Prayzah’s “Gochi Gochi” being played.
Away from the stage, mourners were treated to braai, pig on the spit in the yard. Those who drank had more than enough.
By the way, the braai was self service but for those who preferred a hot meal, there was outside catering from Servcor courtesy of Moses Chingwena, a well-known executive whose business empire includes Premier Auto.
Those who have expensive tastes were spoilt with array of high end spirits ranging from single malts to blended whiskeys.
The funeral wake ran from Sunday up until Monday while Phanty’s body lay in state before burial at Blackstone Farm in Beatrice.
A Scottish band with youngsters donning kilts killed the sombre mood with their mellow music.
A group of his friends showed their love for Phanty by buying an 18-gauge steel casket which cost US$6 500.
Added to the celebrations were three beasts and a pig donated by Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu, who was friends with Phanty; Youth, Development,
Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and lawyer Charles Chinyama.
Dignitaries who turned up at the funeral wake include Vice President Joice Mujuru, Minister Shamu, Minister Kasukuwere, businesman Philip Chiyangwa as well as several other business executives.
Family spokesperson Rogers Nakhozwe described Phanty as a pillar within the family and business.
“It is saddening to note that he left a big void in the family and at Moonlight Provident Associates. He will be sadly missed not only by his family, but in the business fraternity.
“I remember speaking to him the day before he died and he told me that he had bought tickets to attend a Formula 1 race.
“He was a caring father to his children and relatives, I would say he was a good cop bad cop,” he said.
His two sisters, Agnes and Fortunate, who are based in the United Kingdom, said they had lost a dear brother and companion.
“He would take care of every child as his own and we were very close,” Fortunate said.
The fourth born in a family of five, Phanty is survived by his wife Tarisai and two children.
Phanty lived his life to the fullest.
He was famous for his charisma and swag.
Considering the huge crowd, the convoy of luxury cars as well as police escort gives you an idea of how much Phanty lived his life.
He lived a life of opulence such that even at his funeral instead of mourning most people celebrated a life well lived.
Imagine, a menu card, braai and drinks, alcoholic and soft drinks to suit every taste. Mourners were dressed in all black and served with chilled personalised bottled water.
Online Reporter