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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu

THERE’S something truly special about the Mamwara family. Every year on 02 April, they get to celebrate not one, but three birthdays — those of patriarch Dickson Mamwara (57), his wife Maud Mamwara (55), and their daughter Primrose Matimba (35). All three were born on the same day, and all through natural births.

In the past, the family would celebrate together in their home in Harare. But this year, Matimba, who now lives in Gwanda, organised a party at their rural home in Bikita, Masvingo, to honour her parents. Family members, friends, and neighbours all joined in the festivities.

Matimba, who was born in a family of three children, said she always found it an honour to celebrate her birthday with her parents. She shared that since she got married and moved away, it became more challenging to join them for a celebration every year. Nevertheless, she makes sure to send presents and money for them to enjoy their special day.

“It’s a huge blessing for us as a family to have three people sharing a birthday. Up to today, we still wonder how our dates coincided, especially since all were normal deliveries. I decided that this year we had to celebrate together,” said Matimba. 

This year’s celebration was primarily for Matimba’s mother and father. She organised a cake, combined into two parts, the top part for her mother, and the bottom part for her father. She also prepared a feast for her parents and their guests. Additionally, a church service was held to bless her parents and to appreciate the gift of life.

“When I was growing up, it was a must that on 02 April, we would buy a cake and have a feast, and by then, rice and chicken were the special dishes. This tradition of celebration will never end for us, even though we are now staying in different places. I will always find a way to ensure that the day is celebrated. It’s essential for people to celebrate and honour their parents. This is a sign of appreciating and thanking them for their selfless efforts and sacrifices in raising us,” Matimba explained.

Maud Mamwara, Matimba’s mother, shared how they always marvelled at how their dates of birth coincided when she met her husband. She said they were even more amazed when their middle child was born on the same day. Maud said there was no formula or strategy she used to conceive her daughter on a similar day; it happened as a coincidence. She shared that the birth of her daughter on April 2nd, 1988, was the best birthday present she ever received.

Dickson Mamwara, the family’s patriarch, expressed his joy for the celebration that his daughter organised for them. 

“As we become of age, we are no longer concerned much about organising birthday celebrations for ourselves. I’m happy with what my daughter did for us; we felt loved and appreciated. We enjoyed our day, which we celebrated with family, friends, and church mates,” he shared.

Dickson, who works as a hoist driver at a mine in Bulawayo, expressed his gratitude for the gift of life and the ability to continue working. He shared that he is also glad to have spent many years of marriage with his wife. Dickson explained that it is a great gift to celebrate his birthday on the same day with his wife and daughter.

“At first, we used to celebrate the gift of life with my wife on the same day, and later my daughter also came in. We were overjoyed when she was born on our birthdays. It was a great gift from God,” he said.

“Now that we are getting older, we appreciate every moment and every opportunity to celebrate together. It’s a reminder that we are blessed to have each other and that life is precious.”

The Mamwara family’s story is a testament to the beauty and joy of family traditions, celebrating life, and the love between parents and children. Despite being separated by distance, Matimba found a way to keep the family’s tradition alive and bring everyone together for a special day. Their story serves as a reminder to appreciate and cherish the gift of life and the loved ones around us.–@DubeMatut

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