Zimpapers Logo

Patience Mutsiwi Midlands Reporter
CHIEF Mkoba from Lower Gweru has died. He was 90. Born Steven Phahlamoyo Mkoba, Chief Mkoba passed away on Monday evening at a hospital in Gweru after a long battle with a kidney ailment. Midlands provincial administrator Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo yesterday said Chief Mkoba had been bed ridden for the past six months. “Chief Mkoba of Lower Gweru passed on and will be buried on Thursday at his homestead. The government will assist in the funeral arrangements,” said Mrs Chitiyo.

She said the province has lost a vanguard of Zimbabwean tradition who contributed to the upholding of the country’s culture and tradition.

“We have lost one of the pillars of our tradition and culture. We deeply mourn Chief Mkoba for his sterling work in the province.” said Mrs Chitiyo.

The Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs, Cde Jason Machaya, yesterday visited the late chief’s homestead and paid his last respects.

He said Chief Mkoba would be greatly missed for seeing Gweru develop to this present day.

Family spokesperson Ms Sihle Ndlovu described the late Chief Mkoba as a hard working man who did a lot for his family and the people of Lower Gweru.

“Chief Mkoba was a just man who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of his people and Lower Gweru area. It’s a big loss not only to the people of Lower Gweru but to Zimbabwe as a whole because he was one of the senior chiefs,” said Ms Ndlovu.

Chief Mkoba, who is survived by his wife Sihle and 17 children, was a direct descendant of the Rozvi and was also actively involved in the revival of the Rozvi state.

Last year, he was installed the paramount chief of the revived Monomotapa Kingdom by other descendants of the Rozvi.

Chief Mkoba’s descendants were the occupants of the present day Gweru Urban, with the populous Mkoba high density suburb being named after the chiefdom.