System Tazvida's widow loses home property in fire

THE widow of late sungura legend System Tazvida, Barbara Mabuyaye, is counting her losses after a fire tore through part of her home in Unit N, Chitungwiza, destroying property and badly damaging four rooms.

The fire broke out last weekend while Barbara was at work, leaving her home extensively damaged.

Neighbours rushed to the property and battled to contain the flames. No lives were lost, but the incident has left Barbara facing another difficult chapter as she begins the process of rebuilding her home.

Tazvida's younger brother, Isaac, was reportedly at the house when the fire broke out.

Narrating her ordeal, Barbara said the incident had left her devastated.

"Words are not enough to explain the pain that I am going through at the moment.

"Part of my house was damaged by fire while I was away at work. Babamunini Isaac was in the house when the inferno started.

"I was told the fire was caused by an overheated stove in his room, which later spread and damaged four rooms.

"The window panes were shattered and some of my property was destroyed," she said.

Barbara said she found it unusual that her bedroom escaped damage despite the extent of the fire.

"The fire was a bit mysterious because my bedroom was not damaged. From what I gathered from neighbours, Babamunini Isaac was drunk when the fire broke out.

"He did nothing to extinguish the fire because he was heavily intoxicated. My neighbours are the ones who did their best to put out the fire. I would like to thank my neighbours for the wonderful job they did," she said.

Barbara, who survives through various small businesses, has now appealed to friends, well-wishers and members of the public for assistance as she works to restore her home.

She said she had initially been reluctant to make her plight public because of previous experiences with social media abuse.

"I didn't want to bring this matter to the public because social media trolls always end up calling me all sorts of names.

"I have been a victim of cyberbullying but right now things are not well for me.

"I can't stand this anymore but I know God has a reason for everything.

"My relationship with God is now at another level and I can't thank Him enough," she said.

Barbara, who lost her husband in 1999, said widowhood had taught her resilience, independence and the importance of hard work.

"After losing my husband, I learnt the hard way that I had to work hard.

"I am involved in buying and selling but, like everyone else, we face many challenges in life.

"In my case, I have learnt to be hardworking and I will always do my best to provide for myself," she said.

Friends, neighbours and members of the arts community have since expressed sympathy and offered support following the incident.

Barbara has been described by those close to her as a resilient woman who has endured years of hardship while working to preserve the legacy of one of Zimbabwe's celebrated sungura musicians.

She is also among the widows of musicians who have formed an association aimed at empowering and supporting one another.

Barbara has remained vocal over issues surrounding her late husband's estate and royalty entitlements, a stance that has won her support from other musicians' widows who believe they have not received their fair share from local royalty collection bodies.

Despite the latest setback, Barbara said she was determined not to allow the tragedy to define her.

Drawing strength from her faith and the support of her community, she remains hopeful that well-wishers will come forward to help her rebuild her home and continue preserving the legacy of the late System Tazvida.