By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
The resort town of Kariba came to a standstill this week as hundreds of residents turned out to honour the late Chamunorwa Chirimudomba (43), widely known by his famous catchphrase, “Ndichakufonera number yako ndinayo.”
Chamunorwa, a long-serving taxi operator, died on Monday, leaving behind a legacy defined not only by transport service but also by the deep personal connections he built with clients, friends, and neighbours.
True to the wish he shared while alive—rooted in his passion for driving—his family arranged a two-night celebration in his honour.
The festivities reflected the respect he earned over decades of work along Kariba’s busy transport corridors.
According to family accounts, Chamunorwa also insisted that after his death, his body be taken on a familiar route through the communities where he used to operate.
He requested that the remains be moved through Nyamhunga Terminus, Pamupani, and the Mashwede area of Batonga—places he served and knew well as a taxi operator.
The turnout for the funeral, however, exceeded expectations, turning what was planned as an orderly farewell into a logistical challenge.
Residents who came to view the late Chamunorwa in person overwhelmed the household space, forcing organisers to relocate the body viewing to a tent outside his house.
It is reported that Chamunorwa, also known by another name, had initially been unable to get out of bed before his condition deteriorated further, ultimately leading to him going mute.
His brother, Crynos Zunza, said Chamunorwa’s death was a profound loss to the Chirimudombo family.
A long-time friend, Solomon Matsika, described the deceased as more than a colleague. “He was truly a friend indeed, a friend in need,” Matsika said.
Meanwhile, Mr Rhodes Kudawafeya Madyira, a senior citizen in Kariba, described the late taxi operator as a “hero,” stressing that the event was not simply a funeral but something closer to a community gathering.
Speaking to mourners, Kariba Mayor Nyasha Ralphy Maoneyi remembered Chamunorwa as a trusted transporter who contributed meaningfully to daily life in the resort town.
She said his service helped “save generations,” describing him as a figure who provided not just rides but reliability and continuity to the community.
Fans and colleagues of “Ndichakufonera” expressed shock at his death. The name became widely recognised in 2002, when he reportedly had the most clients in town.
Residents say that whenever someone stopped him claiming they needed his services, he would respond confidently with the line that later became his signature: “Ndichakufonera number yako ndinayo.”
For many, that phrase represented his presence in Kariba’s everyday transport system—instantly identifiable, dependable, and familiar.
The funeral took a dramatic turn when the body was taken to John Range Cemetery. Before burial arrangements progressed, the remains were reportedly kept parked for more than ten minutes at the residence of the late Chamunorwa’s long-time girlfriend.
It is believed that the girlfriend had chased him away when his illness became serious. One mourner, who asked not to be named, claimed that when Chamunorwa’s condition worsened, the girlfriend allegedly told him to go home and recover, returning only when he was fully well.
The mourner said this contributed to why the body was taken back after the cemetery delay.
As burial proceedings continued, hundreds of people gathered at John Range Cemetery, to the extent that the entrance was temporarily closed to traffic.
A long procession of cars then snaked through the area as mourners followed the remains.
Chamunorwa is survived by several children.
Residents across Kariba expressed hope that his memory will live on through the work, kindness, and transport service he offered throughout his life.
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