Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
Chief Chivi who died on the 1st of this month and was declared a liberation war hero has been buried at his rural home in Maregere Village.
The Chivi community, government officials, the ZANU PF party, and veterans of the liberation struggle gathered at Maregere homestead to bid farewell to Chief Chivi who died at the age of 105.
The late traditional leader was described as an exemplary leader who led development programmes in his area.
“We are saddened by the death of our traditional leader who led by example in his area. He was someone approachable and used to assist community members in times of need,” said one of his subjects.
“He used to encourage us to be part of programmes that empower us and our children, and he would always lead from the front,” added another.
Chief Mourner, , Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Ezra Chadzamira described Chief Chivi as a distinguished war collaborator and a selfless leader, sentiments shared by the Chiefs Council and the ruling ZANU PF party.
“We gather here today to celebrate and pay our last respects to the life of a selfless leader, the late Chief Chivi, Cde Tavagwisa Magura, a gallant and distinguished war collaborator and exemplary leader. Masvingo Province has been left poorer and with a void too hard to fill as Cde Tavagwisa Magura was an inspiration in our fight for independence, autonomy, economic emancipation and in defending our national sovereignty through unmatched commitment and dedication to harmony and national security,” he said.
“As Chiefs, we are saddened by the death of one of us, and he used to be part of all our programmes. He has always been one of our advisors given his age and experience,” Senator Chief Chitanga who was representing the Chiefs Council said.
“As a party, we salute Chief Chivi for his contribution to unity and development in his area. He would not miss our party meetings because he was a district leader before being a chief, and he used to support us a lot,” added ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson, Senator Robson Mavhenyengwa.
The Magura family expressed gratitude to the government for supporting them during their time of grief.
“We appreciate the support we got from government, the ZANU PF party and the community at large. Here we lay to rest our unifier, our father, and our tower. Hence, we are saddened as a family,” Mr Petros Magura said.
Born Tavagwisa Magura on 15 July 1919 in Chivi District, Chief Chivi attended Nyevedzanai Primary School up to Standard 2 and worked for various companies including Shabanie and Mashava Mine, ZINWA and the Public Works Department.
He joined the liberation struggle in 1976 as a war collaborator, operating at Chitonje War base. After Independence he continued serving ZANU PF as a district Chairman until he was installed as Chief Chivi in March 2012.
Chief Chivi is survived by two wives, twelve children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
