By Wezhira Munya
Hundreds of citizens gathered on the 14th of March 2024 to lay to rest Mr. Nhamo Enias Manyatera, a dedicated supporter of President Nelson Chamisa, at his Zaka Rural home in Chitiyo Village, Ward 21.
Mr. Manyatera, affectionately known as “Mudhara Wazadza”, earned this nickname after a video of him expressing his support for Chamisa went viral, proclaiming, “Chamisa has won over Bikita and the whole of Zimbabwe.” He passed away on the 12th of March 2024 in Zororo, Triangle, located in Chiredzi Central.
The funeral was attended by hundreds of family members, friends, relatives, and politicians from different political backgrounds, all united in bidding farewell to this champion of change.
In his condolence message, President Nelson Chamisa described Mr. Manyatera as a man of wisdom and a catalyst for change. He offered his support and prayers to the Manyatera family during this difficult time, praying for comfort and strength.
Senator Godfrey Madzikanda, a pro-Chamisa representative from Masvingo, who provided various groceries for the funeral, expressed his long-standing collaboration with Mudhara Manyatera in the struggle against ZANU PF’s misrule. He lamented that Manyatera did not live to witness the birth of a new Zimbabwe.
Mr. Manyatera, who was 81 years old at the time of his passing, had been unwell for some time. He was also known as the father of Willard Manyatera, a former goalkeeper for Zimbabwe’s premier football club, Dynamos, and the national team.
During the burial, Honourable Mugidho, a pro-Chamisa member representing Chiredzi Central, expressed her gratitude to the late Manyatera for his fearlessness in fighting against ZANU PF. She acknowledged the widespread fear among rural residents to openly support President Nelson Chamisa due to potential victimization. Despite the hostile political environment in the Zaka and Bikita constituencies, where opposition supporters have faced displacement, injury, imprisonment, and even death, Manyatera remained undeterred in his pursuit of change.
Mr. Jonah Wakurakurehwa, another pro-Chamisa member from Masvingo, who accompanied Mr. Manyatera to hospitals and provided support, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among people, regardless of their political affiliations. He stressed that unity is essential for development.
Prominent pro-Chamisa members who attended Manyatera’s burial included Mr. Evans Chamisa (Masvingo Urban), Mrs. Chikuriro “Mai Shindi” (Chiredzi Central), Councilor Mr. Bennic Muchokwa (Masvingo City Ward 9), Mr. Makusha (Masvingo Urban), Mr. Munyayi (Ward 15, Chivi Central), and Mr. Mugidho (Chiredzi Central).
