By Anthony Muperi
Takawira Chikonye (53) was born in Chiredzi at the General Hospital and did his primary education at Mabugu Primary School.
For his secondary education, form one, Chikonye went to Gutu High, forms 2 to 4 at Dewure High. His upper six was done at Gutu Mission. He then proceeded to study Rural and Urban Planning degree at the University of Zimbabwe.
Chikonye started working as a temporary teacher at Mutero and Dewure. He also worked for Masvingo City Council, Chirumanzu Rural District Council from 2000 to 2007. He also worked for Koreka Holdings and LGB which is under Home Affairs Ministry from 2013 until the time of his death on 02 May 2023.
I got to know him late in life. Had met at various functions, but never got a chance to discuss much. Close interactions came when we met at Mr S. J . Mutero tombstone or memorial function. He was not on program for speakers of the day, but he bulldozed his way. By this move most among the gathering appreciated the works and wisdom of Mr S.J.Mutero beyond imagination. Such was Taka’s character, open, vocal and bold.
He was passionate about soccer, education, family unity and most importantly a true patriot.
While relaxing after the S.J. Mutero function, one conversation that remains echoed and lingered in my memory centred on how he failed to get a place at St Anthony’s High School regardless of the fact that he had passed with flying colors. He narrated his journey…
After high school he studied at the University of Zimbabwe before embarking on working life.
He got married in 1997 to Elizabeth Sitemere. The couple were blessed with two daughters, Inzwirashe and Ngoni. Unfortunately the wife passed on 28 August 2020
