Well-known electrical engineer Gudani Ravhuanzwo described his late mother, Azwihangwisi Gladys Dzebu, as a loving woman who would not even hurt a fly. Ravhuanzwo was addressing mourners, who came from as far as Gauteng, Durban and Zimbabwe to attend his mother's funeral at her home village of Makonde, north of Thohoyandou, last Saturday. Dzebu (60), a former schoolteacher, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, 6 June.
Ms Dzebu was born at Khubvi village on 21 January 1963. After completing her high school education at Mukula High School, she worked as an unqualified teacher at Pile Primary and Raluvhimba High. She later completed her primary teacher's diploma at the then Tshisimani College of Education and taught at Makonde, Roadhuis, Magwagwaza, Thomani and Jim Masindi primary schools. Following ill health, she resigned from teaching in 2005. At that time, she held the position of head of department.
A highly religious person, Dzebu also completed her diploma in theology. At the time of her passing, she was an active member of Agape City Ministries.
Ravhuanzwo said that, although his mother had not been well over the past years, she had never missed church on Sunday. "She taught us to love God and we grew under her guidance to be who we are today. We are very fortunate to have been raised under her wings. She sacrificed everything to take care of us. We will miss her beautiful smile, kindness and parental love," he said.
Representing the local villagers, Mr John Nethenzheni remembered Dzebu as "an angel" who helped the local communities with many things. "During this time when we have a serious challenge of water supply, she would make her borehole available for everyone, free of charge," he said.
She is survived by her four children, Gudani, Zwivhuya, Gundo and Rendani, and eight grandchildren.