Gweshengweshe's burial delayed over hero status

The burial of veteran Zimbabwean actor and former soldier William Matenga, popularly known as Gweshengweshe, could be postponed as war veterans push for him to be declared a provincial hero in recognition of his contribution to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and community development.

Matenga, who died on Saturday at the age of 65 after battling hypertension and other health complications, had reportedly expressed a wish to be buried at Warren Hills Cemetery alongside fellow liberation war veterans accorded provincial hero status.

The Harare Provincial War Veterans Association is now seeking clarification on his liberation war credentials and possible hero status before the family finalises burial arrangements.

Family spokesperson and brother-in-law Peter Chafewa confirmed that administrative processes were underway, with relatives working to secure the necessary documentation.

"The burial of Gweshengweshe is likely to be postponed since the War Veterans Association for Harare Province, where he was also one of the leaders, wants clarity on his status," Chafewa said.

He revealed that a delegation comprising Matenga's son Kudakwashe, his former wife and other relatives had been dispatched to process the required paperwork.

"There is a team which left this morning to process his papers in town, but they are yet to give us feedback," he said.

"It is my hope that the paperwork will be processed in time so that we give him a decent burial befitting his status."

Apart from the outstanding hero status determination, the family is also awaiting the arrival of Matenga's children from abroad.

His son Lawrence is expected to travel from Australia, while another son, Lloyd Matenga, who is a legal practitioner, is based in South Africa.

Kudakwashe, who is studying information technology at the University of Zimbabwe, is assisting with the burial arrangements.

Matenga was widely recognised for his contribution to Zimbabwe's entertainment industry, where he became a familiar face through his acting career.

Beyond television and film, he was a former soldier and liberation war veteran who remained actively involved in community development initiatives.

Chafewa said Matenga retired from military service three years ago and subsequently devoted much of his time to community activities, promoting peace and unity among residents.

He described the late actor as a sociable and community-oriented individual whose sudden death had shocked relatives and friends.

According to Chafewa, Matenga's health problems began last year when he was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate gland, a condition later complicated by hypertension.

"Sometime last year or so, he was diagnosed with prostate gland enlargement, which was then compounded by hypertension. The first health scare was addressed, but it kept on recurring," he said.

Chafewa recalled speaking to Matenga just a day before his death, saying the veteran actor appeared cheerful and showed no obvious signs that his condition was deteriorating.

"The last time I spoke to him was last Friday when we were talking about something to do with fixing electricity, since I am an electrical engineer myself," he said.

"He was in a jovial mood that Friday and had played snooker at Limbani Shops in Zengeza 5, which was his favourite spot."

However, later that evening, the family received disturbing news that Matenga had fallen seriously ill.

"I was shocked to hear that he was unwell around 9pm. He was pronounced dead upon admission," Chafewa said.

Meanwhile, mourners continue to gather at Matenga's residence in Zengeza 5, Chitungwiza, where relatives, neighbours, fellow war veterans and members of the community are paying their last respects.

Congregants from St Agnes Roman Catholic Church have taken a leading role in coordinating funeral arrangements and supporting the bereaved family.

Those who knew Matenga described him as a humble and peace-loving man who remained committed to helping others despite his public profile.

Fellow actors were also expected to join mourners to pay tribute to the veteran performer, whose career earned him recognition among Zimbabwean audiences.

Matenga is survived by seven children.

Mourners are gathered at Number 12 Mupangara, Zengeza 5, Chitungwiza, while the family awaits confirmation of his burial arrangements and the outcome of the request for provincial hero status.