By Shamaine Nyamutswa
The late business mogul and socialite Genius ‘Ginimbi’ Kadungure received a befitting send-off by Zimbabweans from all walks of life as he was laid to rest yesterday at his mansion in Domboshava.
The famous socialite breathed his last following a high-speed car accident he had along Borrowdale Road in which his Rolls Royce luxury car collided with a Honda Fit on Sunday last week. Three of his friends also died in the accident.
Ginimbi was buried at his house in Domboshava according to his last wish. He was 36.
“My brother’s wish was to be buried at his mansion and as his family, we will try not to go against his wish, ” said Clement Kadungure the brother to the late socialite.
“Money cannot buy life and we are all going the same way but what differentiates us is time. We might have our differences but blood is thicker than water, hence l cannot forsake my cousin because it will not change anything but rather brings regrets and misery in my life. l have forgiven him for everything, and l wish for his soul to rest in peace,” added Kadungure.
The ‘all white party’ star Ginimbi was a popular Zimbabwean socialite and businessman who founded Dreams Nightlife Club as well as Chief Executive Officer of gas Company, Pioneer Gases which had interests in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Ginimbi was a young and courageous vibrant man who worked so hard to get a life he wanted. At this young age, he already owns companies and was also a free spirit who socialised with everyone,” said Honorable Tino Machakaire, the Deputy Minister of Youths, Sports, Arts, and Recreation.
Hon Machakaire is reported to have purchased a Versace coffin estimated to cost US$10 000 for the late socialite.
Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa assisted with some cattle and firewood for the funeral. He praised Ginimbi as a hardworking man whose departure was a “great loss to the nation.”
“Ginimbi was a genius in his own way. He was a brand. You just don’t become a brand when you have not done anything. That’s why we are all here. He has brought together people who have never met him.
“He inspired the ghetto boys and those who are not educated that with commitment you can make it in life. He employed educated people and they survived through him. He was a generous guy in many ways. We should keep his legacy alive,” Hon Mliswa said.
Doves Funeral Services provided a top-of-the-range hearse comprising a Mercedes Benz estimated at US$500 000.
Prior to his burial, most popular musicians and artists had spent the previous night performing in honour of the late socialite in appreciation of his contribution to the entertainment industry.