Ruth Mpisaunga peacefully left this world last week. Her sudden death sent shock waves throughout Zimbabwe for she was a hero to many. The hundreds of people, from all walks of life, who streamed to her home to mourn and pay their last respects, together with many messages of condolence from around the world, bore witness to her heroism.
No, she was not a war-veteran, nor did she amass much wealth or perform any phenomenal feats. She was just an ordinary housewife with a burning faith in Jesus Christ. She was born Emma Ruth Muchawaya in Mutare in 1939, the daughter of Hlengwe and Helen Muchawaya. Raised in Mbare Township, she attained a teaching diploma from Waddilove Teacher Training Institute in 1959. This was to be the start of a life devoted to education and the improvement of the lives of those in her community.
In 1962 she married a long time friend, Etherton Mpisaunga. Their parents were friends and founder members of the African Independent Church (Muchakata). Now, as Mai Mpisaunga, Ruth worked for close to a decade as a school teacher before leaving to join the Young Women’s Christian Association as its organizing secretary in 1968. At this time the YWCA was a major source of empowerment in education, the arts and sports for young black women in the then Rhodesia. Her steadfast support for the organization and its Christian values continued long after she left its full-time employment for the next stage of her professional journey in 1971.
It was then that, in a leap of faith – both in her own abilities and in the possibility of change – she joined Grant Advertising to take up an unexpected role for a black woman in Rhodesia. As market- research officer, Ruth honed the skills and business acumen that she had first exhibited as a young girl in Mbare, selling fatkoeks in the afternoons to help her parents pay her school fees.
In 1979, following a short period in further education in administration at Silveira House and Ranche House College, she attended the Coady Institute of St. Francis Xavier University in Canada where she was awarded a diploma in social development. Upon her return she continued in her quest to help others by becoming director of Simbaredenga Women’s Cooperative.
In 1982 she joined Old Mutual and was part of that insurance organization until her retirement in 1999. Instead of resting, her deep faith and lifelong passion for education and the Christian faith ensured boundless energy and enthusiasm for life that will long remain an inspiration to all who came into contact with her.
In 2010 she completed a bachelor’s degree in theology at the International School of Theology in Harare.
Ruth Mpisaunga served on several boards including the John Campbell Children’s Home and the Mothers Union of the African Independent Church, as well as being a Commissioner of Oaths for Harare and a committee member of the Child Protection Society. While hers was a life of community service, hard work and success the memory of Mai Mpisaunga will be cherished by the many people whose lives she personally touched. She was a woman of striking beauty, elegance, dignity and charm with unbounded generosity and good humour.
Her closest friend and confidante since childhood, Prof. Hope Sadza said, “I owe much of what I am today to Ruth. She was a companion and an advisor who always told me the truth. She did not hesitate to tell me when I was wrong and to praise me when I did well. I was very close to her and I can say with her death Zimbabwe has lost a real hero.”
Another close friend and colleague, Mrs. Winnie Wakatama said, “Ruth made everybody that she came into contact with feel important and special to herself, to the community and to God. She was never jealous of others’ success but rejoiced with them. She always encouraged her many friends to succeed by sharing ideas and suggestions. In times of adversity she was a real comforter. To me and my husband she was a friend worth more than a hundred relatives.”
Mai Mpisaunga is survived by her husband, Etherton, children Etherton Jnr and Farai and eight grandchildren.
Post published in: News
My condolences Etherton snr and family, My Mother Lyn, worked alongside you at Barker McCormac for many years, and temp work I did there from time to time allowed us to meet. We were always impressed by your integrity, and can see from your late wife’s tribute above, that you were clearly of the same ilk. We mourn the loss of your lifelong friend, and pray His comfort in the days ahead. Jehovah Shammah !
Barbara and I and the Diasporan Kumbulas send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences over this stunning loss. She is an irreplaceable woman whose many contributions are remembered by many friends and relatives of the Mpisaungas as well as many prominent and ordinary Zimbabweans. I remember my last phone conersation with her. Her elegance and humility were so touching. We cherish your visit with her to Los Angeles in 1988. Tendayi Jr and I have fond memories of the times we spent with you and Ruth during our 2009/10 visit to Zimbabwe. Barbara and I were looking forward to spending quality time with you and Ruth during our Harare visit later this year.My Friend, you have lost a jewe, an irreplaceable companion.l. In the coming days, weeks, months and years, may you be comforted by the many happy, so memories that you and the family shared with Amai Mpisaunga.You packed so many indelible memories, so much living into those years.
RIP Ruth. We fell privileged to have known you in this life.