Tendai Mbofana to Honour Late Actress Mai Sorobhi with a Free Tombstone
Prominent entrepreneur and headstone designer Tendai Mbofana has announced his plans to honor the late actress Rhoda Mthembe, popularly known as Mai Sorobhi, by creating a state-of-the-art tombstone at no cost. This gesture is part of his ongoing efforts to recognize Zimbabwean icons for their contributions to society.
Mbofana, who leads Ngoda Granites, has previously designed tombstones for notable figures like Cde Chinx, Soul Jah Love, Paul Matavire, and Douglas Vambe. His work has garnered widespread praise, including the striking tombstone for music legend Leonard Dembo, unveiled in 2021 to mark the silver jubilee of Dembo’s death.
Mai Sorobhi passed away on September 12, 2022, at the age of 79, after battling health issues, including a stroke. She was laid to rest at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare. Despite financial struggles in her later years, Mai Sorobhi remains a beloved figure, celebrated for her roles in productions like Paraffin, Asi Chii Nhai?, and Nhamo.
A Commitment to Balance and Legacy
In a recent interview, Mbofana explained his motivation for this initiative:
“As a leading player in the granite industry, I’ve realized the importance of gender balance in my efforts. Mai Sorobhi’s remarkable journey to acclaim made her an obvious choice for this project.”
Acknowledging the need for preserving the legacy of Zimbabwe’s cultural icons, Mbofana added, “It does not reflect well when the gravesites of our legends are neglected. I aim to lead by example and give back to those who deserve recognition.”
His philanthropic approach also aims to inspire others to honor their loved ones and preserve Zimbabwe’s cultural history.
Honoring Mai Sorobhi’s Legacy
Mai Sorobhi rose to fame in the mid-1990s with her exceptional acting skills and witty humor. She was a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, inspiring many young actors and actresses. Beyond entertainment, her work addressed critical social issues like child abuse and HIV/AIDS, leaving a lasting impact on Zimbabwean society.
Mbofana emphasized the importance of preserving her legacy:
“Mai Sorobhi was a wellspring of knowledge and talent. Her contributions to Zimbabwean arts and culture deserve to be commemorated with dignity.”
Mbofana has already begun designing the tombstone and is working closely with Mai Sorobhi’s family to finalize the details. He hopes to unveil the completed work later this year, adding it to his growing portfolio of tributes to Zimbabwean legends.
“As the designer, I am committed to delivering my best work, just as I did with the tombstones for Leonard Dembo, Cde Chinx, and Soul Jah Love. I want Mai Sorobhi’s tombstone to stand out and symbolize her immense contributions to our society,” he said.
Mbofana’s dedication to honoring icons like Mai Sorobhi underscores his commitment to uplifting Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and ensuring that its legends are remembered with respect and admiration.
