Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THE widows of late music stars — Leonard Dembo, Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, Mako Sibanda and System Tazvida — graced Tilder Moyo’s Mother’s Day celebrations in Harare on Saturday.
A variety of activities — mental health support, entertainment, gifts and food — marked the event which was organised by the Tilder Foundation, led by the StarFM presenter.
Tilder said the event strengthened relationships by bringing mothers together with their sons, daughters and in-laws.
“Something encouraging in this event was the unity among in-laws and family members,” Tilder said.
“In some cases, sons and daughters bought tickets for their mothers but what was more interesting was that some in-laws also paid and brothers and sisters bought tickets too.
“Such love, among relatives, is commendable and I would like to thank our sponsors for making the event successful.”A number of women walked away with different prizes.
These included five residential stands, which were donated by the Destiny of Afrika Network, five vehicles, refrigerators, gas stoves, colour television sets, kitchen utensils and a solar system.
Some of the residential stand beneficiaries included Grace Demberere, Sibongile Muneta, Fadzai Ruzande, Evelyn Makaya and Gogo Charumbira.
Florence Chirongo of Marondera, who walked away with a prize, said:
“We want to thank Aunt Tilder for this event, saturated with a number of things that women benefited from,” said Florence.
“Some women, including the elderly, had the opportunity to receive counselling sessions for mental health, as well as medical check-ups for diabetes, blood pressure and other conditions.
“As for entertainment, the artists kept us busy on our feet the whole day. We also got the opportunity to meet widows of some of the late music legends and to network with various businesswomen.
“In short, it was like a balanced diet to us as mothers.”
Miriam Dunira, 70, of Shurugwi, went away with a blood pressure testing machine from Discovery Ambulances.Chengeto Maidza, 56, of Bikita was voted best dancer and went away with a set of pots.She said:“Tete Tilder vatipinza church service inezvibereko zvakanaka.
“The teachings, the songs, counselling sessions and health check-ups were part of the day, I am happy.”
Gospel music royalty, Charles and Olivia Charamba, warmed up the stage by performing songs focused on child protection, marriage, guidance and unity.The couple later left the stage to attend their daughter’s lobola celebrations.Charles Charamba said it was a “divine coincidence” that the event took place on the same day as their daughter’s Roora Day.
“We had to attend both events, considering the respect that we have for Aunt Tilder, while also celebrating our daughter’s special day.
“We believe that mothers have the ability and grace to create a God-fearing society.The playlist is a fitting dedication to our mothers as is our norm whenever Aunt Tilder invites us for these programmes. Those are songs that we believe we have been granted by God to minister to mothers.”
Dorcas Moyo thrilled the mothers with her dance moves while Evangelist Nelly Gwatidzo addressed women on marriage and domestic violence issues.
She urged younger couples to respect their marriages and their in-laws.
“It is a disgrace to hear that a number of marriages are breaking due to adultery.Some elderly women are reported to be supporting their sons and daughters who are engaging in extra-marital affairs. Let us restore our dignity and the sanctity of marriages,” said Evangelist Gwatidzo.
In Total Band took mothers down memory lane with songs from the past.
