Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
DEATH leaves behind a heartache no one can heal, and memories no one can steal — not even the passage of time.
Such is the enduring sorrow and cherished remembrance that will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have known and interacted with the late Mutare businessman, Mr Misheck Chesa.
Though the world changes from year to year and our lives shift from day to day, the love and legacy Mr Chesa left behind shall never fade.
His friends and associates at the Manicaland Motoring Club, which became his second home, will especially carry his memory with them.
Mr Chesa passed away last week, having suffered a stroke mid-last year.
Life was never the same for him thereafter; he remained bedridden for months until his final day.
He was laid to rest last Sunday at his farm in Vumba.
But who was Mr Misheck Chesa?
He was an unassuming businessman whose rise to prominence resembled a modern-day Cinderella story—emerging from humble beginnings to the fast-paced world of city commerce.
Known affectionately as Baba aWiri, a name he earned through his late first-born son, William, Mr Chesa once worked as a bus driver for the State-owned ZUPCO before venturing into business.
His journey from the driver’s seat to the boardroom remains a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and vision.
Though not formally book-learned, Mr Chesa climbed the ladder with shrewdness and discipline.
He began as a taxi operator—yes, a taxi driver—and turned what many might dismiss into a stepping stone toward greater success.
As the saying goes, never be intimidated by what you do, for it can become your greatest strength if you approach it differently. Baba aWiri embodied that principle.
Optimism was his hallmark, as it is for many successful entrepreneurs.
At the height of his business career, he proudly owned a thriving banana plantation in the scenic Vumba and built a reputation as a haulage truck entrepreneur.
His close friend until his final days, Mr Greenmore Basera, bore witness to this remarkable journey:
“It is painful to accept that Baba aWiri is no more, but such is life. I have known this man for a very long time. He was humble, hardworking, and rose from modest beginnings to earn the respect and admiration of many. We will always remember him as a loving friend and a unifying figure at our beloved Motoring Club.”
Similarly, Mr Masimba Chihiowa, chairman of the Manicaland Motoring Club, reflected on the void his passing leaves:
“No doubt, the club will never be the same without Baba aWiri. Misheck Chesa was a joy to interact with. He bore no grudges, had a humorous spirit, and could turn tense situations into laughter. We all loved him dearly, and we can only say: May His Dear Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Such was the love and respect he commanded that the club stood by him and his family throughout the funeral, contributing emotionally and materially until his burial. Baba aWiri had been a patron of the Manicaland Motoring Club for over two decades, serving as president for two terms in 2018 and 2019.
Just last year, he was conferred with life honourary membership during the club’s Annual General Meeting.
The club was truly his second home. His absence will be deeply felt by members who knew his routines well—the seat he favored, the Lion Lager (mahewu) he exclusively drank, and the precise times he arrived and departed. His discipline was unmatched, every detail carefully observed and followed to the letter.
And in the end, as mortals we all must part, but his legacy endures. Until we meet again, we can only say: Go well, Baba aWiri. You fought a good fight.
