Staff Reporter
The late former Studio 263 actress, Anne Nhira popularly known as Vimbai Jari, who passed on in South Africa due to injuries sustained during a robbery, has been awarded a State-assisted funeral.
This recognition comes barely a month after President Emmerson Mnangagwa honoured another artist, the late Zimdancehall crooner, Soul Musaka, popularly known in the music industry as Soul Jah Love. Musaka, who passed away on 16 February 2021, was declared a Liberation War Hero.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, announced the conferement of the status yesterday, after Permanent Secretary for Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Dr Thokozile Chitepo, wrote requesting that Nhira be accorded the status.
“Reference is made to your minute dated 12 March 2021 about State-assisted funeral for the late Anne Nhira.
“Please be advised that His Excellency the President has approved State-assisted funeral to the late Anne Nhira. You may proceed with necessary arrangements,” he wrote.
Repatriation of Nhira’s body to Zimbabwe would be done once post mortem results are released.
Meanwhile, today Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Deputy Minister honourable Tino Machakaire will visit the late Nhira’s family in Chitungwiza where he will deliver a special message.
Nhira became popular in the film industry when she acted in Zimbabwe’s popular soap, “Studio 263” in the early 2000.
The late Nhira relocated to South Africa around 2015 to pursue her career in the film and television industry.
She was 38 years old.
