Over 2,000 Chirumhanzu South Citizens Defy Police to Celebrate Hon. Patrick Cheza's paternal Grandmother's Lavish 112th Birthday Party By Wezhira Munya — Change Radio On Saturday, nearly 2,000 residents of Chirumhanzu South gathered at Hon. Patrick Cheza's homestead to celebrate his paternal grandmother, Mbuya Taruza Maruwana, on her remarkable 112th birthday. This lavish event not only showcased the community's love and respect for Mbuya Maruwana but also highlighted the resilience of the Chirumhanzu South people in the face of Zanu-PF and Security forces intimidation. Mbuya Maruwana, a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church, was honored with a ceremonial service led by a local Roman Catholic priest, who blessed her amidst heartfelt prayers and gratitude. Following the service, family members, local leaders, and community representatives shared touching anecdotes, expressing their admiration for the matriarch and celebrating her long life. `Follow and Share Change Radio for Real-Time News and Updates on WhatsApp!` https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5kPp2KGGGQkePy4t1q In his speech, Hon. Patrick Cheza portrayed his grandmother as a loving and humble figure. "Grandmother Maruwana is the one who took care of me when I was young. She nurtured me, and I am inspired by her love, care, and support. I am who I am because of her. I thank God for giving her such a long and blessed life," he said. His wife, Mrs. Cynthia Cheza, added, "I am happy to share our home with Grandmother Maruwana. She is our prayer warrior and a prophetess in our family. We wanted to celebrate her 112th birthday to show our love." The event drew a high-profile delegation of politicians, including former Mkoba North MP Hon. Amos Chibaya, Masvingo Urban MP Hon. Martin Mureri, Hon. Dr. Takafira Zhou (Mberengwa), Hon. Moses Mavhaire (Masvingo Central), Advocate Mudisi (Zvishavane) , a top human rights lawyer, Honourable Sinene (Gokwe) and several other notable figures. Journalists from various media outlets, including Change Radio, were also in attendance. To cater to the large gathering, the Cheza family prepared an impressive feast featuring two cows, 250 chickens, 100 kg of rice, 200 kg of mealie meal, five goats, and seven pigs. Guests enjoyed nearly 10,000 bottles of water, 5,000 soft drinks, and 10,000 liters of beer, ensuring everyone was well-fed and entertained. The atmosphere was enhanced by exquisite decorations and live music, creating a vibrant celebration that resonated deeply with attendees. This birthday celebration is regarded as one of the largest events in the Chirumhanzu South constituency, showcasing Hon. Cheza's ability to draw crowds despite the Zanu-PF induced intimidating political climate. Known as "Bhuru Dema of Chirumhanzu South," Hon. Cheza's popularity is a reflection of the challenges faced by opposition members in attracting supporters due to intimidation from Zanu-PF party members and security forces. Planning for the birthday party faced significant hurdles, including a last-minute attempt by the Officer-in-Charge of Law and Order in Gweru, Victor Chinoni, along with Central Intelligence Officers, to cancel the event on the on Friday. This intimidation did not deter the community, instead, it galvanized support for the celebration of Mbuya Maruwana, who was born on June 14, 1913. CIOs, CIDs, and other security personnel attended Gogo Maruwana's peaceful birthday party yesterday. Hon. Patrick Cheza contested the August 2023 Parliamentary elections under the leadership of President Nelson Chamisa, facing off against Zanu-PF candidate Babra Rwodzi. Despite a narrow defeat attributed to alleged electoral fraud and violence, hon. Cheza remains a resilient figure in the community. His farm, which houses over 5 ostriches, more than 100 cattle, over 200 goats, and thousands of chickens and pigs, is a testament to his commitment to local agriculture and employment. He also runs shops in Chirumhanzu South, further contributing to the local economy.