Wezhira Munya
Today 21 December 2025 marks a somber occasion as Felix Madhumeja, a dedicated opposition activist from Masvingo West, was laid to rest at his rural home in Gwanda South. His final resting place is in Ward 11, Tshongwe Village, where family, friends, and community members gathered to pay their respects.
Family members and citizens braved heavy rains as they gathered to lay Madhumeja to rest.
Felix Madhumeja’s health had declined following a diagnosis of a brain tumor discovered in September 2025. According to his brother, Joseph, Madhumeja had been battling illness since 2024. Despite undergoing surgery at Mpilo Hospital, he did not recover and passed away on 19 December 2025 at Gwanda Hospital.
Mr. Silay Gwana, the village head, expressed his shock at Madhumeja’s untimely death and offered condolences to the grieving family. Madhumeja hailed from a family under Chief Kwadhalala. His father, Mr. Elliot Madhumeja, conveyed his profound sorrow, saying, “I am devastated by the painful death of my son. I am heartbroken.”
He is survived by two children and one grandchild, alongside his wife. Born on 15 August 1972 at Govatema Farm in Gwanda South, Madhumeja was the second of seven children. He received his primary education at Tshongwe Primary School and later attended Mandiwuongola Secondary School, both located in Gwanda South.
At the funeral, former Masvingo City Mayor Shantel Chiwara reflected on Madhumeja’s significant contributions to her political campaign during the 2023 harmonized elections. As a staunch supporter of President Nelson Chamisa, Madhumeja served as her election agent in Ward 2, where she ultimately secured victory. “I want to thank Madhumeja for his unwavering support,” Chiwara remarked.
Dorcus Madhumeja, Felix’s mother, shared her profound grief, stating, “I am deeply pained by the death of my son.” His close friend, Honourable Martin Mureri, a member of parliament for Masvingo Urban and Madhumeja’s lawyer, also attended the funeral. He remarked, “I drove all the way from Masvingo Urban to comfort the family of my friend and compatriot. Madhumeja was a trusted cadre of President Nelson Chamisa, and we fought together in the democratic struggle.”
Felix Madhumeja faced numerous challenges in his political activism, suffering attacks from members of the ruling party, Zanu PF, and enduring several arrests on politically motivated charges. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Advocate Martin Mureri, he was acquitted in all cases against him, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the democratic cause.
Honourable Tendeukai Matara, a provincial proportional representative member of parliament, expressed his heartfelt sentiments, stating, “Madhumeja was like a son to me. I loved him. He embodied democracy and dedicated his life to serving the people. May his soul rest in peace.”
Felix Madhumeja’s legacy as a committed activist and beloved community member will surely endure, remembered by those who knew him and appreciated his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of democracy and social justice.
Some of the Masvingo based cadres who attended Madhumeja’s burial are:
Femia Mare,
Mai mundondo,
Auxilia Chikati ,
Vangorima,
Sekwidzai Shayamano (Mai vembo),
Washington Ngwarai and other three who refused to be named.
