Chiedza a big influence on local Rastas

BORN: October 17 1959 DIED: February 1 2017

ON the first day of Black History Month, the Rastafari movement in Johannesburg has been hit by the passing of Elder Ras Chiedza (Shona word for light).

Ras Chiedza passed away on February 1 2017 in Johannesburg. He was the owner of the Seal of Ujamaa, a Rastafari shop in Yeoville, Johannesburg.

Chiedza was born Jerry Ford on October 17 1959 in Trinidad/Tobago. A true believer in the Rastafari principle of repatriation back to Africa, Chiedza moved to Johannesburg as a young man in the mid1980s. He and his partners opened the Seal of Ujamaa as a primary cooperative retail business specialising in books, CDs, incense, branded clothing and arts and crafts.

Chiedza was a top-notch black entrepreneur who was well-liked by all and was blessed with a panAfrican world view.

His transition to the next world has left many Africans from Trinidad/Tobago, Ghana, Zimbabwe to South Africa in tears.

Tributes on social media continue to pour in from people around the world.

On a Facebook post announcing his passing, one Victor Chidendza lamented: “Big Man Elder Chiedza never died in the Americas ... where he died was the place written in many songs .... Mama Afrika ... East of the River Nile ... Ithiopia ... He loved Africa more than all the dwelling places inna Babbywrong.”

Although the exact details of his funeral are not yet known, Elder Chiedza will be buried with his family and ancestors in Trinidad.

Maurine Ford, Ras Chiedza’s sister, is currently in the country to sort out his affairs.

Ras Chiedza’s local memorial farewell will begin at the Seal of Ujamaa, 28 Rockey Street, Yeoville, tomorrow with a drumming procession from 3pm.

The procession shall lead to the Sacred Heart College in Observatory, Johannesburg, where a solemn memorial service will be held from 5pm until late.

Elder Ras Chiedza is survived by three sons and two daughters. May his soul rest in peace.