The ManicaPost
Freedom Mutanda Post correspondent
PEOPLE from all walks of life in Chipinge on Tuesday bade farewell to veteran educationist, Mrs Chipo Matanga nee Sigauke (72) who passed away last Saturday.Mrs Matanga was synonymous with humility, politeness, kindness, open mindedness and love that shone throughout her life which she lived to the full.
For 39 years she worked for the upliftment of educational standards in Zimbabwe. She tirelessly worked in rural schools and ultimately, thousands went through her able hands.
Her husband, Cde Tobias Matanga, the former Chipinge Senator, was heartbroken.
‘’Our love remained very much alive up to her last day. She was a pillar of the family. My only wish is for someone from the family to keep the fire burning in as far as love and kindness is concerned. She helped everyone regardless of their background. She helped orphans with clothing and footwear. She never wanted a rift in the family and if ever it reared its ugly head, she worked very hard to heal it,’’ he said.
Catherine Chirimambowa who lived with the Matangas for years weighed in and said the late Mrs Matanga revered education so much that all her children went to school. To add on, she was a hard worker.
‘’Mrs Matanga ensured that all her children went to school. This is clearly shown by the surviving four girls and two boys who are all professionals in their own right. Above all, she worked very hard. You can see that this farm is productive and it can be argued that she was an equal partner of greatness with Cde Tobias Matanga. I hope her children will emulate her love and conscientiousness to duty,’’ she said.
Mrs Matanga was born on May 3, 1945 at Chikore Mission Hospital and attended Big Tree Primary School before enrolling at Chikore Secondary School. Her next port of call was at the United College of Education in Bulawayo (1967.)
From 1968 to 1969, she taught at Mabee School. A love affair blossomed between her and a young teacher who taught at the same school-Tobias Matanga.
On January 26, 1970, the couple married at Chikore Mission Church. The two lived an uninterrupted 46 years of marriage bliss up to the time last Saturday.
She left behind six children, several grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.
A dedicated ZAOGA elder, Mrs Matanga carried her ‘Lydia’ work with zeal and enthusiasm.
Elder Chiraerai urged many people gathered at the funeral to walk the talk when it comes to doing God’s commandments as the late Mrs Matanga did through-out her life.
‘’Mrs Matanga was very active in church activities and we are told that when Mr Matanga was incarcerated due to his political activities, she fended for the young family and never gave up. That is the kind of strength that we wish our womenfolk to have. May her soul rest in eternal peace,’’ Elder Aaron Chiraerai said.
