Chinx's widow moves out of matrimonial home empty-handed

Losing a spouse is one of life's most traumatic experiences, often leaving survivors grappling with grief, depression, and the stress of property disputes or inheritance battles. Yet, some widows navigate this pain with remarkable resilience, turning loss into a source of strength. Ntombizodwa Mangota, widow of liberation war hero Dickson Chingaira, famously known as Chinx, is one such woman.

Once a well-known dancer and backing vocalist for Chinx's Barrel of Peace band, Mangota, now 51, has embraced her independence and prioritises her mental health and future. Determined to avoid inheritance disputes, she relies on her own energy and ambition to build a life for herself and her children.

Chinx passed away on June 16, 2017, marking a difficult turning point for Mangota. "It was a heavy loss for us. We had just acquired a new house in Sentosa… We were a well-known couple wherever we went together," she recalls. Their polygamous marriage was celebrated publicly, and Mangota says she has no regrets about her time with him.

After his death, she decided to leave the Sentosa house and relocate to Norton, empty-handed. "I realised that as a young widow, I had a life to live and children to care for," she said. Though her children initially struggled to understand why they inherited nothing, Mangota provided them with strength and guidance as they grew into adulthood.

A retired member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Mangota has focused on her own ventures. She farms on a plot in Marondera acquired through the Land Reform Programme. "I took a huge gamble when I retired and decided to work hard for my children… I am a proud widow who, despite working hard during my marriage and leaving empty-handed, has defied the odds," she says.

Her resilience was bolstered by a close relationship with Chinx's first wife, who passed away last year. Together, they navigated life in Norton, exemplifying the potential harmony of a polygamous family even after loss.

Mangota actively encourages other widows to work hard and support one another. She is a member of the Creative Widows Association of Zimbabwe (CREWAZ), a group dedicated to economic empowerment for widows of former artistes. "There are about 25 of us, and we always exchange notes, which has made our sad stories seem more hopeful," she explains. CREWAZ, spearheaded by marabi singer Kireni Zulu and supported by Dr Johannes Marisa, helps widows find opportunities for economic independence and mutual support.

Mangota is unapologetically self-sufficient and uninterested in dating. She warns widows to protect themselves from "perverts" and "sexual predators" who exploit vulnerability. "I value my body and I have a family to protect," she says, emphasizing the importance of self-respect and caution.

Reflecting on her life with Chinx, she remembers him as a mentor and supporter who nurtured her talent from the time they met in 1994. Looking ahead, she hopes to revive the Barrel of Peace band with surviving members, preserving the musical legacy they created together.

Despite the challenges, Mangota remains determined to lead by example—working hard for her family, remaining independent, and leaving a lasting legacy. She embodies resilience, proving that even in the face of profound loss, strength and purpose can prevail.