Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MANY widows of some of the country’s finest musicians are struggling to make ends meet after they lost property to greedy relatives of their late husbands.
Now, 25 widows have come together and formed an association to tackle the challenges they face.
They have formed the Creatives’ Widows Association of Zimbabwe (CREWAZ).
“Many of the widows here have lost most of their possessions to relatives and other greedy individuals after their husbands passed away, and this issue has been haunting many of them for years,” said Zvanyadza Tendaupenyu, the widow of the late Tairos Tendaupenyu, who is famous for the hit song “Furuwa Furuwa.”
She will lead the group.
“In short, we are saying let’s unite as widows and appeal for help to start projects and work hard despite these challenges.”
CREWAZ was established to give these widows a platform to voice their concerns and seek assistance, as many are struggling in poverty.
Eloice Sibanda, the widow of Marko Sibanda, has been voted vice-chairperson.
Aripawo Muchawaya, the former wife of Ketai Muchawaya, is the treasurer.
Tatenda Pinjisi’s young widow has assumed the role of secretary, with Joyce Chari, the widow of former Farai Brothers leader Shame Masangudze, as her deputy.
Moses Rwizi’s widow, Christine Matongorere, Esther Musango (the widow of Daiton Somanje), Barbara Mabuyaye (the widow of System Tazvida), Ratidzo Tecla Marasha (the widow of Biggie Tembo) and Manyara Muchandibaya, the widow of Wiseman Magaya, are committee members. The committee has enlisted Kireni Zulu as their superintendent.
He proposed the initiative after years of supporting widows alongside medical practitioner Dr Johannes Marisa.
During their first meeting at Reinham Farm in Harare last week, the 25-member group members vowed to work together and initiate income-generating projects to address their challenges.
“We are glad that we managed to hold our first meeting here as widows of legendary creatives who made an impression during their lifetime.
“This movement is critical for us because our husbands entertained the nation and created lasting memories, yet most of us are now struggling to make ends meet.
“As widows, we formed this movement to ensure that we speak with one voice and we are heard when we appeal for help from well-wishers,” said Tendaupenyu.
CREWAZ patron, Dr Marisa, said:
“I have noted with concern that many of these widows are struggling to provide for their families, but we all know what their husbands contributed to the showbiz landscape,” he said.
“I am offering them free medication as a way of empowering them during these challenging times. I will also provide their children with free education at Westview Group of Schools, among other schools of their choice, to appreciate these widows. Starting this weekend, I will distribute free hampers for a group of four until the entire supply has been exhausted.”
He expressed his dismay at how many of these widows are portrayed.
