People in Hwedza are talking about Bhudhi Matanda’s unusual funeral, which sparked discussion and curiosity. Many were confused when Bhudhi Matanda was buried with all of his belongings in a pauper’s burial that was organised by the Department of Social Welfare.
Viola Wagoneka, 70, Matanda’s wife of more than 20 years, and a few family members attended the wake. Matanda’s last request was to be buried with his most treasured possessions, which included numerous pieces of clothes, a toolbox, a bicycle, two radio sets, and a cell phone.
Viola described how Bhudhi Matanda left her for another woman but came back when his health declined. She complied with his wish to be buried with his most treasured belongings, which included his bicycle, which he loved above all.
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Over the course of their more than twenty-year relationship, Viola came to embrace Matanda as her husband, taking at face value his assertion that his first wife had died and left him with three children. When Matanda returned sick, Viola’s relatives advised her to be friendly to him and provide him refuge, even though he had abandoned her and cheated on her.
Viola thought back to Matanda’s compassionate personality, remembering how he showed her attention and collected firewood on his bicycle. But his drinking and smoking habits had a negative impact on his health, which finally resulted in lung damage.
Viola is currently dealing with food scarcity and needs to take medicine for her hypertension. Her child, whose location is unknown but thought to be in Chitungwiza, Norton, or Ruwa, has one child. Despite the difficulties, Viola’s fortitude comes through as she makes her way through life after Matanda’s death.
