By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
A crowd funding has been set up to raise money for a proper send-off for renowned thespian Rutendo Tapiwa Chigudu who died last week in South Africa aged 37.
The stage and screen actress popularly known as R Tendo on social media reportedly collapsed and died.
Friends of R Tendo issued a statement calling on well-wishers to assist in the repatriation of the body.
“It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the untimely death of our friend and colleague Rutendo Tapiwa Chigudu in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday the 6th of May 2021.
“Funeral arrangements are still being finalised and will be shared in due course. Meanwhile, friends in Zimbabwe and across the world wishing to make contributions and donations towards her send-of can make use of the below details: Ecocash numbers +263773719584 Winnie Moyo or +263775310686 Judith Chiyangwa.
“Bank details Winnie Moyo 40434848702016 (BancABC) or Judith Chiyangwa 260180266 NMB Bank (Borrowdale),” reads the statement.
When asked how much money was needed, Winnie Moyo declined to comment and also could not say exactly what the money was meant for.
“I am sorry I cannot comment,” she said before she hung up the phone.
A mother of two, R Tendo was currently studying towards her MA in Applied Drama with Wits University in South Africa.
A holder of the Bachelor of Arts: Honors in Theater Arts from the University of Zimbabwe R Tendo was many things to different people.
Her footprint on Zimbabwean film and theatre cannot be ignored especially that she worked with difference creative at so many levels.
She once worked with organisers of the Harare International Festival of Arts as a coordinator of events, worked for Patsime Trust, Reps Theatre, Zimbabwe Women Writers Association, Star FM Radio as well as Sadc Arts Festival to mention a few.
She featured in many plays for the University of Zimbabwe Theatre Department which include Bus Stop Journals and in many HIFA productions which include:
The Frog Queen which earned her a NAMA 2007 Outstanding Theatre Actress nomination and Wedding Day.
She also starred in Rituals, a poignant, musical and inspirational journey through community driven healing processes that are impeded by lack of political will.
About Author
