MP Maziwisa to Mudhara Bonzo’s rescue

By Sophia Chese

Member of Parliament for Highfield West Psychology Maziwisa has come to the rescue of former comedian and radio and TV personality Lawrence Simbarashe, popularly known as Mudhara Bonzo of the Timmy na Bonzo fame.

All seems not well for the Chitungwiza-based actor who has fallen on hard times.

In an interview, Maziwisa, who has since started a campaign to donate to the once celebrated comedian, said the idea was to demonstrate what can be done when Zimbabweans from across the divide come together in support of a worthy cause.

“The response has been overwhelming and demonstrates that Zimbabwe is such a great nation of kind and compassionate people. I also did it as a way of proving to people that it’s not every problem that requires government intervention.

“Sometimes we need to take responsibility individually and collectively and take some pressure off our leaders,” he said. He highlighted that Mudhara Bonzo did a lot for the nation such that he deserved to be remembered and appreciated while still alive.

“It’s what God expects of us anyway and it’s the least we could do in the circumstances because Bonzo made all of us laugh. It’s our turn to put a smile on his face during this difficult time of his life,” he said.

Maziwisa said by yesterday the response was overwhelming with one businessman donating $500.

“There has been enormous interest across the divide since our request yesterday (Monday) for people to contribute towards “Bonzo’s” upkeep with one business tycoon Gilbert Sawana pledging $500 towards this great initiative,” he said.

He said he is going to visit the actor on Friday to handover the contributions.

Bonzo, who rose to fame through various voice overs, television adverts and acting, earned a decent sum of money to the extent of owning 11 luxury cars, but he is now penniless and showing signs of mental health problems. For two decades, Bhonzo was the main act in the country’s entertainment industry and one of the most sought after local actors.

The actor made his name in the Timmy naBhonzo ZTV drama series, Heat The Sun television mini-series and films such as The Slit (1996), Jit (1993) and Cry Freedom (1987) as well as Flame (1996).

The veteran actor, who resides in Chitungwiza’s St Mary’s high density suburb, had his house burnt to ashes in 2012. The Herald