MILLICENT HUNGWE
TAKAVARASHA–A dark cloud of uncertainty hovers over the Chivi villagers as they ponder whether the philanthropic work of the late larger than life figure of Alice Pote will continue, is the question on many’s lips as they laid to rest a philanthropic giant.
Alice Pote who was very popular through her community social responsibility work on behalf of her brother’s Makanaka Holdings was laid to rest on June 19 at Marecha Village, Takavarasha in Chivi where hundreds of villagers including her direct beneficiaries thronged the homestead to pay their last respects.
Most of her beneficiaries were in disbelief as they failed swallow the reality of her demise which could mean the end of their free gifts from Makanaka Holdings.
Her death not only left a personal void in the hearts of those who loved her but also created deep uncertainty about the future of her charitable work which supported hundreds of orphans, underprivileged women, and vulnerable families across Zvishavane, Takavarasha and surrounding areas.
Alice, (37), reportedly died due to acute respiratory failure and her brother, prominent businessman Clever Anthony Pote, who shared a close bond with her both in life and in their humanitarian work, gave an emotional tribute that captured the mourners who thronged the homestead.
“I’m in real pain that my best friend is gone, l wasn’t even aware of her sickness, I only knew the morning she died,” he said.
“All the philanthropic work by donating to the needy, school fees, groceries, support for women, that she was involved in is gone. I trusted you with everything. Now you’re gone, and I don’t know what will happen to the charity work you used tyo do for the community,” said Clever Pote who could not hold back his tears.
The pain of his loss became physically evident during the body viewing when he collapsed as he was overwhelmed by grief.
It was a chilling reminder of just how deeply Alice’s demise might ground the philanthropic work she was doing in the arid district.
Alice was the lifeline for hundreds of children and women, from paying tuition fees for orphans to providing food hampers and groceries for struggling households, something that she did consistently, quietly, and without seeking any publicity or public attention.
Her popular philanthropic work, The Midweek Watch learnt was not part of a formal or registered trust but driven from her heart hence the grieving by many over the uncertainty of the continuation of her work.
“She never wanted her work publicized,” said a member of the Zvishavane community.
“She just did it because she cared. That’s why it’s so hard to imagine how this will continue,” she added.
Her funeral attracted dignitaries from across the country, a testament to the impact of her work and connections, among the mourners was President’s son, Patrick Mnangagwa who arrived in a chopper, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini , Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Owen Mudha Ncube, and several Members of Parliament including Tafanana Zhou (Mberengwa West), Freddie Moyo (Zvishavane-Runde), Mecky Jaravaza (Zvishavane-Ngezi), Wilson Mhuri (Shurugwi South), and Godfrey Huruva Mukungunugwa (Chivi North) where the funeral was held.
Alice was also well respected in business circles, where she had strong ties through Makanaka Investments and director of Stallion Cruise as representatives from CABS, AFC Bank, Isheanopa Group, Zebra Cross, Nyaradzo Group, RBZ, Zimnat, National Foods, Prime Brands, Byword Motors, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Mr Tees, Zvishavane Town Council, the Ministry of Mines, FBC Bank, and CBZ Bank were represented.
The Church of Christ led a dignified burial service, reflecting her values of humility and faith in the Almighty God.
