Icon Tafi Moyo dies

Sport
ONE of Bulawayo’s eminent citizens, businessman and Highlanders Football Club patron Tafi Moyo has died. He was 108.

ONE of Bulawayo’s eminent citizens, businessman and Highlanders Football Club patron Tafi Moyo has died. He was 108. Luyanduhlobo Makwati Own correspondent

Moyo, an icon in his own right and dedicated member of the Bulawayo community, died yesterday morning at Mater Dei Hospital where he was admitted in the intensive care unit.

The centenarian’s daughter, Siphiwe Nkomo, told the Southern Eye that her father might have succumbed to cancer of the bowel and advanced age.

Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede
Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede

“Our father was very a humble, peace-loving and God fearing man, who even during his last days was still going to church in Mzilikazi, where he worshipped with everyone there,” she said.

Nkomo said the family was still working on burial arrangements and if everything went according to plan, they hoped to lay him to rest on Saturday.

“If all goes well, we will bury him on Saturday and the church service will be held at United Congregational Church of Southern Africa,” she said.

The Moyo family said while their father’s death was painful to them, he was a pillar of strength to many people in the country.

“We are saddened by our father’s departure as he was pillar to all of us and many other people that he lived and interacted with during his days on earth,” Nkomo said.

“His wit will be remembered and forever cherished, as he guided many people and us through good things.”

When the Southern Eye visited his home in Famona, people had started gathering at the house, among them Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede and Provincial Affairs minister Eunice Sandi Moyo and Zanu PF official Phelekezela Mphoko.

As a thriving businessman during the colonial era, Moyo readily gave money to the liberation war fighters.

On Moyo’s 100th birthday, President Robert Mugabe fondly recalled the money that Moyo had given to the struggle, saying the nation was forever indebted to the centenarian.

Moyo is survived by several children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mourners are gathered at number 91 Matopos Raod in Famona, Bulawayo.