Hello, my friends. I do hope you are all coping well with everything that is happening.
Last week, we were all plunged into intense grief and mourning for one of our own, the late multimedia personality, Babongile Sikhonjwa Moyo, who collapsed and died on September 21.
I visited his family home in Bulawayo’s Richmond suburb, and I must say it was a sombre affair.
An official memorial service was held for him at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre last Friday, and it was moving to learn that “Bubbles,” as some of his former co-workers called him, had touched so many lives.
Everyone had a story about the departed star.
Some have even called for a street to be named after him, in recognition of his efforts to promote Matabeleland arts.
He was buried on Saturday at his rural homestead in Gwanda in a state-assisted funeral, a fitting honor from the government.
You have run your race and fought the good fight. From my desk at InkWhispers, I say: rest well with the Lord. Your Ndebele legacy will live on.
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Tribal slur?
In a related matter, I must say I was left confused, and with a bitter taste in my mouth, my friends.
The community began lobbying for funds to assist with Babongile’s funeral, which likely pushed the government to intervene.
What then became dark and twisted was the official letter delivering this “good news,” which referred to the late broadcaster as “Babonjile” and used “she” in another sentence.
Huh? Pardon me?
That is unethical, insensitive, and tone-deaf!
One wonders how such mistakes can happen with the number of people employed in those offices.
Let’s take heart, my friends, kikikiki. I saw your boiling rants online. Kuzolunga.
Intwasa’s low energy
The annual Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo took place this past week, and… hmmm, the energy has shifted.
I almost want to say it was overshadowed by Babongile’s passing, but I would be lying to you all (and to myself, for that matter).
The noise and euphoria just weren’t the same; it lacked the usual fervour where people squabble for tickets and slots to showcase their talents.
Maybe it’s time for the organisers to go back to the drawing board and innovate, keeping in mind that they are not necessarily catering to the same audience they did in 2010.
DStv Zimnandi?
On Friday, yours truly was invited to a breakfast meeting at the Tea Room in Famona by DStv Zimbabwe.
They seem to be walking the talk now in terms of significantly involving Matabeleland in their blueprint.
During a brief Q&A, a journalist reminded them that the main reason many “people of the South” (us, kikikiki) subscribe to their satellite service in South Africa is because of language and relatable content.
He noted that about 80% of the local content on air is biased towards Mashonaland.
Hmmm. I must say, it’s good that they are coming to the ground to do research like this. Now the ball is in their court.
Shine bright, Sean
An undiscovered diamond is forming at Gifford High School, wow!
Upper Six student and cyclist Sean Maseko has a promising future, guys.
Please, look out for him and offer your support.
In the past few months, he has represented Zimbabwe on many platforms and even competed in international championships in South Africa. Recently in Botswana, he came in second.
He has also outperformed national record-holder Mark Marabini, who is known for cycling 45 kilometres in 48 minutes; this young starlet landed softly at 45 minutes.
Isn’t it sad to see such a passionate, humble young man with great promise lacking both financial and moral support?
Hai hai, guys, let’s do better. Lol lol lol in my opinion, if we don’t fund our own and constantly wait for others to help, that is how we end up with misspelt names and butchered lingo in “good news” letters, kikikiki.
Alright, my friends, cheers for now.
Remember to be good and do the right thing by following me on Instagram and tagging your friends @Southern Eye / @S.E.
Don’t think twice about sharing whatever you heard about whomever from wherever… I promise not to tell (who told me), kikikiki.
