By Rex Mphisa
CONDOLENCE messages have been pouring to the Dera family following the death of Enos Dera, 87, described by some as a leader Beitbridge never had the chance to use.
Dera passed on in Harare and his remains arrived in the border town Saturday night.
In an update Eberth Mashakada (Tadzi Rice) said tentative arrangements for his funeral were that his remains would arrive in Beitbridge Saturday and leave for his rural home in Chirumanzi Sunday.
“His body is being transfered to our local Nyaradzo funeral parlour from Harare today (Saturday). He will be brought to his home tomorrow for a night vigil and proceed kumusha (Chirumanzi) on Monday for burial,” she said.
Businessman Charles “Terry” Mulowa described the late Dera as a community leader Beitbridge never had.
“I first knew him when he was employed by the National Railways of Zimbabwe before he retires and went into properties and cattle ranching. He was a candid and frank businessman. He was a true leader who always was for the development of Beitbridge. Dera was a family friend and I remember selling him his first bull,” said Mulowa.
“He was a hardworking man. He loved the growth of Beitbridge,” said Mulowa.
Dera is known to have been among the first people to own taxis in Beitbridge where eventually he had a transport business.
His son Master Dera said he will be laid to rest at his rural home.
Directions to his rural home are as follows:
Farm 41 Zvinyaningwe
30km from Mashava using the OLD Great Zimbabwe University Rd (Mashava).
From Mashava travel about 20km to Mangwana Farm which is on your right. Turn right at Mangwana and travel up to Chengwena Primary School or Zvinyaningwe Secondary School. Here there is a clinic, some dilapidated shops and a church. From there ask anyone there for directions as you would be very close.