People from all walks of life yesterday gathered for the burial of comedian Charles “Marabha” Mupalume at Zinyengere Cemetery in Epworth, Harare.
The massive
send-off was a testament to Marabha’s impact on the community and the
entertainment industry.
Known for his
pioneering role in skits and street theatre, Marabha was not just an
entertainer; he was a beloved figure who brought joy and laughter to many.
His death on
Saturday, after a long illness, left a void and the overwhelming turnout at his
funeral highlighted the deep affection and respect he garnered throughout his
life.
The affable
actor was hailed as a hero in his community.
His mother, Mrs
Rudo Rewani, expressed grief and gratitude, saying, “I have lost my son, but I
am relieved that he was given a befitting send-off, judging by the thousands of
people here.”
She struggled
to navigate through the crowd as mourners honoured her son’s legacy.
“I used to
underrate his works, but today, I have realised that he was a man of the
people,” she emphasised.
Mrs Rewani also
praised Sunrest Funeral Parlour for covering the funeral expenses.
“Marabha
neither had a funeral policy nor medical aid, but these angels from Sunrest
Funeral Parlour bailed us out,” she said.
“They covered
everything from body collection to coffin and burial expenses. They have shown
us that good people still exist, as the food we are having was paid for by
them.”
Abel Chazanga,
director of Sunrest Funeral Parlour, described Marabha as a legend deserving of
a dignified farewell.
“The turnout at
the funeral was not only a reflection of Marabha’s popularity, but also a
reminder of the importance of community support. He was not only a man of the
people, but a true hero in his community. You don’t get this turnout if you are
not getting along well with the community,” he stressed.
“I am glad the
burial has gone according to plan, although there were some minor challenges.
The good thing is that he has been laid to rest, and we can only rejoice and
salute his legacy. Marabha’s impact extended beyond his immediate circle; he
inspired countless individuals to engage in skits,” he added.
“His dedication
to uplifting others created a ripple effect that will be felt for generations.
People shared stories of how he had touched their lives, reinforcing the notion
that true leadership is about serving others.
“As the Epworth
community gathers to honour his memory, it is essential to reflect on the
values he embodied. Marabha championed kindness, resilience and unity, urging
everyone to come together in times of need.
“His legacy
will continue to motivate us to foster a spirit of collaboration and support,
ensuring that his vision for a better community lives on.”
National Arts
of Zimbabwe marketing and communication manager Agga Nyabinde remarked, “The
turnout alone shows that he was indeed a veteran actor. He was one of the pioneers of skits through
street theatre.”
This sentiment
was shared by fellow actors, including Mai Jilimba, who lamented the loss to
the arts sector, stating, “To be honest, the sector will never be the same
without this hero of ours.” Herald
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