Zimpapers Logo

Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter
A philanthropist from Tsholotsho, Annah Gumbi has died.

She was 103.

Family spokesperson Mrs Sibekithemba Jubane yesterday said Gogo Gumbi passed away at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) after a short illness.

She said the elderly woman was admitted last week Friday and passed away on Wednesday.

Mrs Jubane said her mother was an unsung hero who worked to help improve the lives of all those around her.

“Mum was a mother to the whole community. We never had much back then, but the little that we had, she would share with our neighbours and all children who came from vulnerable homes. She was a very good farmer and dressmaker. She would give away food and clothes she made. Somehow, no matter how little it was, it would stretch. We never went to bed on an empty stomach and we were never dressed in tatters. Everyone loved her.”

Gogo Gumbi was an active member of a women’s community service group in the Seventh Day Adventists Church, Dorcas Ministries.

Her family attributes her long life to her diet and lifestyle.

“She loved to eat traditional food and was a very active person in her earlier years. Even after she turned 100, she could still stand on her own and do stuff around the home. It is unfortunate that she complained of her knees last week and succumbed to that. But she has rested, she was old. She lived a long and peaceful life,” said Mrs Jubane.

The late Gumbi, villagers said, used to house orphans from all over her village in Chief Siphoso’s area and stayed with more than 20 children whom she was not related to in the 1990s. “She never registered an orphanage but would allow children who had to walk long distances to school to stay with her during the school term and go back home during the holidays. They would stay at her homestead free of charge,” said Mrs Nqobile Tshuma, a neighbour.

Mourners are gathered at house number 70631 in Lobengula West in Bulawayo and the funeral service will be tomorrow at Mountain View SDA Church.

— @andile_tshuma