Joyce Simeti the determined fighter
By Silence Charumbira
Showbiz Editor
Touching as it may, the testimonies from her husband, Joyce Simeti lived a full life that has to convert every mourner into a celebrator of sorts.
Speaking at a service just before the departure of her body to Mutoko where she will be buried Friday, her husband Stanley described his departed wife as a preacher and prayer warrior.
He said she did all she could to have it her way when it came to spiritual issues including when it came to her financial involvement in the house of God.
The hearse that carried Joyce Simeti’s body
“Initially I would complain but I ended up realising that I would never win and I made it a point that whatever it is we would have it her way,” he said.
“Surely her name was Joy so much that we had to name our first born Rejoice because she was always joyful. This smile she shows in this picture is the same that she gave me just before she died. A day before she passed on, I collected her from work and she said she just needed to rest. And the morning of the fateful day she asked me if I was going to get an off day and I asked why I needed an off day and she just smiled and said ok.
“Little did I know that it would be our last conversation.”
Speaking at the same occasion, Pastor Prime Kufa who stood in for United Family International Church leader Emmanuel Makandiwa, he said instead of mourning it was befitting that people celebrate the life of the late singer who was a member of their church.
He said Makandiwa had prophesied that Simeti would encounter health problems in 2013.
“I remember it was in 2013 that we had gone out with the man of God that he said pray for Mai Simeti as he saw her health deteriorating and although it was not visible doctors would not be able to help her when the problem was diagnosed. And some time later she came to the man of God and asked him to pray for her as she was not feeling well,” said Kufa.
He said Simeti had lived a life of humility and love and said he wondered how they would manage without her at Ruth Makandiwa’s next birthday where she hosts homeless children.
“Despite the illness she was a fighter. She continued doing her work. I am thankful for she has fulfilled her purpose. She has fought a good fight. I remember her giving a testimony that she was grateful to God because people used to call her musikana wechando because she used to sell freezits,” said Kufa.
Among the gathered mourners were Pastor Charles Charamba, Melusi Khumalo, brothers Amos and Michael Mahendere who are both senior members of UFIC, Carol Mujokoro, Edith WeUtonga Katiji, Pablo Nakapa, Mathius Mhere, Machanic Manyeruke, Sabastian Magacha, Amanda Sagonda, Noel Zembe to name a few.
Manyeruke, Khumalo and Nakapa
Also present were pastors from Zaoga, Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Musicians’ Rights Association staff among others.
Pastor Charamba said Simeti was always determined and knew how to manage her time.
“She always knew how to get what she wanted and she knew how to manage her time,” he said.
Her daughter Rejoice also took to the stage and performed a track in front of the mourners.
