BY TAFADZWA KACHIKO FIRST Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday condemned violence perpetrated against women as Zimbabwean actress Anne “Vimbai” Nhira, who was based in South Africa, was laid to rest at Zororo Memorial Park along Chitungwiza Road in Harare. Famed for her role as Vimbai Jari in yesteryear soap Studio 263, Nhira (38) succumbed to stab injuries after being attacked at gunpoint by unknown assailants in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, on March 11. Her body left South Africa by road on Friday afternoon after a memorial service that was held in Randburg, Johannesburg. In her graveyard eulogy, the First Lady said men should desist from committing acts of violence against women. “The circumstances under which Anne died are directly an indictment on men generally to desist from exerting violence against women. It’s possible that such cowardly characters are still lingering in our society in this modern age of enlightenment,” she said. “Anne died in March which is women’s month. It’s that time to bring to the fore the fact that women were never historically allowed by their male counterparts to play any role in theatre or on stage, thus my speech is focusing on promoting the national policy and strategies on gender equality, adhering to the national and regional instruments in protection of the rights of women.” She lamented an increase in domestic violence during the COVID-19-induced national lockdown. “With the coming of COVID-19, Zimbabwe was not spared. We then see domestic violence in households. No Zimbabweans, let’s live in peace and harmony because when you told her that you loved her, she loved you back,” she said. “COVID-19 constricted us to our houses from Monday to Sunday, from month to month looking at each other. Where is fighting coming from? You are the one who asked me to come, why are you beating me? We are witnessing families collapsing, such we don’t encourage. Let’s love each other from the beginning.” She also recognised Nhira for her role in promoting the arts industry, and also upholding national values and norms. “We respect you artistes. I want to thank the government of Zimbabwe for recognising the late icon and one of Zimbabweans’ favourite actresses for the role she played in lifting the Zimbabwean flag high in terms of acting, thereby promoting the local arts industry,” she said. “She illustrated good behaviour especially on what is expected from a woman. There are many people who learned from her as she starred on Studio 263. I personally enjoyed watching Studio 263 with my family. This contradicted the stereotyping of women as weak. “These achievements should be an eye-opener to all women and children. A heroine is not the one who does magical things, but great things to society. This is the woman we are all gathered to inter. I encourage the young to use Anne as an example of (the biblical) Dorcas of our time. Emulate something from her, start where you can manage.” Meanwhile, several other speakers spoke glowingly about Nhira. Her brother, John, said they would ensure her legacy lived o
