Gweshegweshe declared Provincial hero

Veteran Zimbabwean actor William Matenga, popularly known as Gweshegweshe for his memorable role in the television comedy series Gringo, has been accorded provincial hero status and will be buried at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare today.

The honour brings to an end uncertainty surrounding the 65-year-old entertainer's burial arrangements after family members reportedly disagreed over his final resting place.

Matenga died at the weekend following complications associated with hypertension, leaving behind a legacy spanning Zimbabwe's entertainment industry and political activities.

ZANU PF Harare Provincial Political Commissar Voyage Dambuza confirmed that the ruling party had granted Matenga provincial hero status in recognition of his contributions to national development, the arts and party activities.

"Gweshegweshe has been declared a provincial hero today, taking into account his contribution to the party and the development of the nation," Dambuza said.

He described Matenga as a committed party member whose involvement extended beyond his television career.

According to Dambuza, the late actor was actively involved in the War Veterans Association and regularly participated in political and community events.

"He was not only an actor, but was also actively involved in party and War Veterans Association activities. He was a dedicated cadre who served the party with distinction and recently performed as the Master of Ceremonies at the War Veterans Association meeting in Epworth," he said.

Matenga became a household name through his portrayal of Gweshegweshe in the popular Gringo television series, which entertained Zimbabwean audiences and helped establish several actors as prominent figures in local comedy.

He featured alongside the late Lazarus Boora, affectionately known as Gringo, Fanuel Tonganayi, who portrayed Firimoni, and Stembeni Makawa, remembered for her role as Mai Gweshegweshe.

The programme became one of Zimbabwe's most recognisable television comedies, with its characters earning widespread popularity for their humour and portrayals of everyday social experiences.

Matenga's performances contributed to the series' enduring appeal, and his character remained familiar to viewers long after the original broadcasts.

His death has prompted tributes from relatives, fellow entertainers and admirers who remember him for his contribution to Zimbabwean television.

A family representative, Tarisai Nyikayaramba, welcomed the decision to accord Matenga provincial hero status, saying it fulfilled his wish to be buried among fellow comrades.

"We can't thank the party enough for honouring Gweshegweshe's wish to be buried alongside fellow comrades, as that was his wish," Nyikayaramba said.

She described the late actor as a gifted performer whose work brought joy to countless households.

"He touched the hearts of millions with his acting prowess, which will remain engraved in the minds of many. We will miss all the humour and the legacy he left behind," she added.

Matenga joins several prominent Zimbabwean entertainers who have received provincial hero recognition, including musicians Simon Chimbetu, popularly known as Chopper, Soul Jah Love and liberation war musician Dickson Chingaira Makoni, widely known as Cde Chinx.

The late music icon Oliver Mtukudzi received national hero status following his death and was buried at his rural home in Madziva.

Ahead of today's burial, Matenga's body was taken to his family home in Zengeza 5, Chitungwiza, where it lay in state.

Mourners, including neighbours, relatives, fellow actors and admirers, gathered at the residence to pay their final respects to the veteran performer.

His burial at Warren Hills Cemetery will mark the final farewell to an entertainer whose work helped shape Zimbabwe's television comedy landscape.

Matenga is survived by seven children.