Story by Providence Maraneli
A somber atmosphere engulfed the Dibilashaba community of Gwanda South as they buried one of the youngest chief’s in Matabeleland South, Chief Marupi, who died last week after a short illness.
As the hearse carried the body of the late chief to the Marupi homestead arena, there was dead silence, the elders could barely look, and women could do nothing but weep in silence as they beheld a life cut short.
This is their beloved Chief Marupi who died on the 20th of this month after a short illness.
Speaker after speaker, the community eulogised the late traditional leader as an epitome of humility.
“He was still young, we wished he would live long and serve his people, we are hurt , we are short of words,” said family spokesperson, Mr Molisa Marupi.
“We are in deep mourning we don’t know where to look. I can’t even believe it,” said a villager.
The death of the traditional leader has left a gap in the development matrix of Matabeleland South province.
“He was still growing and as a young Chief we used to be close and what we needed was guidance from the elders’ .we have lost as chiefs from this area,” said Chief Tshitaudze.
The president of the Chiefs Council Chief Mtshane Khumalo called on the community to respect the cultural values and ethos of succession.
“You know how it’s done in your culture, respect the family, don’t start unnecessary commotion and pressuring the family. Let’s respect their culture and allow all the necessary processes to happen,” he said.
Born Ouheng Nare on the 26th February 1996, Chief Marupi succeeded his father, Mr Lawrence Nare who died in 2008.
He was installed in 2011 as a minor awaiting to officially take over Dibilashaba in 2014 when he turned 18.
He is survived by his wife Rorisang Tlou.
