Chief Maduna’s son buried
SON to Chief Maduna of Filabusi, Mthikana Mafu who died in Bulawayo last week, was laid to rest in Avoca, Filabusi yesterday.
Mthikana died on Monday at United Bulawayo Hospital. He was 49. Several traditional leaders gathered at Chief Maduna’s homestead in Avoca Filabusi for the funeral. Chief Nyangazonke of Maphisa in Kezi, who spoke on behalf of the Zimbabwe Chiefs Council said the chiefs were with the Mafu family during this trying time.
“We are here as chiefs to mourn with the family as they have lost a child. We hope they find comfort during this difficult time,” he said.
A grieving Chief Maduna described his son as a reserved person. Chief Maduna said his son was peace-loving man who never fought even with his siblings.
“Death is painful and it is not easy to accept. You run out of ideas but I am happy fellow chiefs and traditional leaders gathered here and it gives me strength.”
Chief Maduna said his son had water in the lungs and was admitted at White Hospital in Zvishavane.
He was transferred to Bulawayo where unfortunately they delayed to drain the water resulting in his death.
Insiza representative in the National Assembly Cde Malaki Nkomo who taught the late Mthikana at Nkabeni Secondary School also described him as quiet person who respected his elders.
“Chief Mafu (Maduna) did well by educating his children as they managed to fend for their families. Chief Mafu always preached to parents in the community about the importance of educating children,” he said.
Retired Bishop Nkosinathi Hlabano from Methodist Church who was a close friend of the late Mthikana said they fellowshipped together and was keen on being a pastor.
Mthikana was born on 17 November 1968. He moved to South Africa in 2011 where he was a teacher.
He returned in March this year when he was ill. He did not have kids. Chiefs who attended the funeral included Chiefs Mathema, Ndube, Masuku, Sibasa, Jahana and Gampu. Zanu-PF officials Cdes Angelina Masuku, Molly Mpofu and Andrew Langa were also present.