RUTENDO CHIRUME
MASVINGO-Popular Masvingo transport mogul of Joma Bus Service, Joseph Masaire who died on May 27 was laid to rest yesterday at Mangwandi Cemetery in Masvingo City.
Masaire died at his home in Clovelly Suburb of Masvingo on May 27 after being diagnosed with borne cancer in 2018, his son William Masaire told The Midweek Watch.
He was 68.
Masaire worked as a General Manager at Regency Hotels in Masvingo back in the 1980s before venturing in the transport business.
In 1992 the deceased started his company of buses with only one bus but later grew the company which was operating throughout the country and beyond.
William said it was very difficult to lose a father but he is relieved as he has rested after being in pain for over five years.
“It is a very painful experience, especially in my case because I am the only son of out of six children.
“He played two roles of being a father and a brother to me. I was close to him as everything I have learnt and to be the man I am today; it was all from him.
“I feel all alone now because, my father has been there for me in every step of the way. What is sad now is that the memories are only limited to our minds since we could not share the moments with him like taking pictures of him or take him on vacations because his health had severely deteriorated.
“I am in pain and losing a father is something not easy to accept, but at the same time we say congratulations Dad you have fought a good fight and may your soul rest in peace,” said William.
According to his son, the name Joma was crafted from the deceased’s first two letters of his name and surname that is JO from Joseph and MA from Masaire.
Some of his colleagues who came to pay their last respects were Mukumba Brothers, Mutangiri of Riverton Academy, Chikozho and Martin Trucks among many others.
Masaire is survived by his wife, six children and 10 grandchildren.
Born and baptised as a Roman Catholic member, Joma attended his primary and secondary education at Zvara Primary and Secondary School.
His home area is in Chirumhanzu, Mafiravana Village under Chief Chirumanzu.
