HARARE — Veteran actor William "Gweshegweshe" Matenga will be laid to rest at Warren Hills Cemetery today after being accorded provincial hero status, resolving speculation among relatives over his final burial place. The 65-year-old actor, who succumbed to hypertension at the weekend, will be buried in Harare following the State's official recognition of his lifelong contributions to the ruling party and the creative arts. Matenga's burial arrangements had initially sparked debate within the family, with relatives divided over where he should be interred. Provincial hero status Zanu PF Harare Provincial Political Commissar Cde Voyage Dambuza confirmed the conferment of the status, praising the actor's dual devotion to cultural and civic platforms. He said Gweshegweshe was declared a provincial hero, taking into account his contribution to the party and the development of the nation. He said Matenga was not only an actor but was also actively involved in party and War Veterans Association activities, describing him as a dedicated cadre who served the party with distinction. He recently performed as the Master of Ceremonies at the War Veterans Association meeting in Epworth.
Gringo fame
Matenga rose to national prominence through the popular Gringo television series on ZTV. He shared the screen with iconic cast members, including the late Lazarus "Gringo" Boora, Fanuel "Firimoni" Tonganayi, and Stembeni Makawa, who famously played Mai Gweshegweshe.
Family gratitude
A close relative, Tarisai Nyikayaramba, expressed gratitude for the status, stating that the formal designation aligned with the late artist's personal desires.
She said the family cannot thank the party enough for honouring Gweshegweshe's wish to be buried alongside fellow comrades, as that was his wish.
She said he touched the hearts of millions with his acting prowess, which will remain engraved in the minds of many, adding that they will miss all the humour and the legacy he left behind.
Creative heroes
Matenga joins a growing list of prominent Zimbabwean creatives who have been accorded provincial hero status, including musical luminaries Simon "Chopper" Chimbetu, Soul Jah Love, and Dickson Chingaira Makoni, better known as Cde Chinx.
The late superstar Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi remains the highest-honoured creative in the country, having been declared a national hero before his burial in Madziva.
Matenga's body was taken to his Zengeza 5 home in Chitungwiza yesterday, where it lay in state as large crowds of mourners, neighbours, and fellow actors gathered to pay their final respects. He is survived by seven children.
