Honde Valley – Vice President (Retired) General Dr. Constantino Chiwenga yesterday joined family members, friends, church congregants, Government officials and hundreds of mourners at Tsvarai Village in Honde Valley to bid a final farewell to the late Mrs. Callista Chimhini (née Sanyatwe), whose life was defined by service, compassion and unwavering faith.
Mrs. Chimhini passed away on June 6, 2026, following a courageous battle with blood cancer, a condition she had been fighting for the past year and a half. She was 77.
The solemn burial ceremony brought together people from all walks of life, reflecting the profound impact she had on her family, community and the nation at large. Among those in attendance were senior ZANU PF officials, representatives from opposition political parties, Government officials, church leaders led by St. Columbus Roman Catholic Church, and members of the local community who gathered to pay their final respects.
Mrs. Chimhini was the sister of the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe, whose family has long been associated with service to the nation.
As prayers were offered and tributes shared, mourners reflected on the life of a woman whose humility, generosity and commitment to helping others touched countless lives over several decades.
Born on September 24, 1948, in Nyanga, Callista Sanyatwe grew up with strong family values that would shape her character and guide her throughout her life. Those who knew her described her as a kind-hearted and disciplined woman whose desire to serve others became evident from an early age.
Her calling to care for people led her into the nursing profession, where she dedicated four decades of her life to serving patients and communities. Throughout her 40-year career as a nurse, she became known for her professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of those under her care.
Many former colleagues remembered her as a dedicated healthcare worker who treated every patient with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Her nursing career not only provided medical care to countless individuals but also offered comfort and hope to families facing difficult moments.
Even after retirement, Mrs. Chimhini remained committed to serving others, continuing to offer guidance, encouragement and support to those around her. Her life stood as a testament to the values of selflessness and community service.
In April 1973, she met the love of her life, Mr. David Antony Chimhini. Their relationship blossomed into a marriage that would endure for more than five decades. Together, they built a strong and loving family founded on mutual respect, faith and dedication.
The couple shared 53 years of marriage, a remarkable journey marked by unity, resilience and devotion. While they were blessed with four children of their own, family members noted that Mrs. Chimhini often considered herself a mother to many more.
Her home was open to relatives, neighbours, friends and anyone in need of guidance or support. She embraced countless young people as her own, offering motherly advice, encouragement and care. To many, she became a source of strength and wisdom whose influence extended far beyond her immediate family.
Her commitment to service was equally evident in her spiritual life.
A devoted member of St. Columbus Roman Catholic Church, Mrs. Chimhini lived her faith through action. She faithfully attended Sunday Mass and Thursday night prayer meetings, remaining actively involved in church activities throughout her life.
Church members described her as a woman of deep faith whose dedication inspired others. Whether participating in church programmes, supporting fellow congregants or offering prayers for those facing challenges, she remained steadfast in her Christian beliefs.
For Mrs. Chimhini, faith was not merely a practice but a way of life. Those who worshipped alongside her recalled her humility, kindness and willingness to assist anyone in need.
Her final months were marked by a difficult battle against blood cancer. Diagnosed early last year, she faced the illness with courage and determination, supported by her family, friends and church community.
Despite the challenges posed by her condition, she remained hopeful and resilient. Plans had been underway for her to seek specialised treatment in India as efforts were being made to provide her with the best possible medical care.
However, after fighting bravely for a year and a half, she succumbed to the illness on June 6, leaving behind a grieving family and a community deeply saddened by her passing.
Speakers at the funeral described her as a woman whose life reflected the highest values of service, compassion and faith. They noted that while her physical presence would be greatly missed, the legacy she leaves behind would continue to inspire future generations.
Many mourners spoke of her ability to unite people, offer comfort during difficult times and provide guidance rooted in wisdom and experience. Her life, they said, demonstrated the importance of serving others with humility and dedication.
As the burial service concluded and mourners paid their final respects, a sense of gratitude accompanied the sorrow. Gratitude for a life well lived, for the countless lives she touched and for the enduring example she set as a nurse, wife, mother, sister, church member and community leader.
For the Chimhini and Sanyatwe families, the loss is immeasurable. Yet they take comfort in the memories of a woman whose love, faith and service enriched the lives of all who knew her.
As family members, friends and community members departed Tsvarai Village following the burial, they carried with them cherished memories of a remarkable woman whose legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of many.
Mrs. Callista Chimhini’s journey on earth may have come to an end, but her example of compassion, dedication and faith will remain a lasting source of inspiration.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her family find strength, comfort and healing during this difficult time.