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Rebecca Kabaya Arts Correspondent
The late veteran writer Dr Charles Mungoshi left loads of unpublished works that could make it to the market posthumously, his widow Jesesi has revealed. Speaking at the burial of the veteran author in Chivhu, Jesesi said they will engage partners to have the works published.

She said Mungoshi was a natural writer who did various scripts that were meant for publication before he fell ill.

The scripts are ready for collection and publication.

“As the wife of the deceased in particular and as part of Mungoshi family in general, I feel indebted to the writers association of which our father was a member.

“I would like to inform you that at our residence we have cartons and cartons of manuscripts that have not been published and my appeal to you is for assistance to have them published so that they may benefit the Charles Mungoshi Foundation,” said Jesesi.

She is mainly known for her role as lead actress in the film “Neria” and many have saluted her for her resilience during Mungoshi’s illness for the past 10 years.

She said most of the writers’ savings were swallowed by expenses that went towards his illness, contrary to the assertion that he died a pauper.

National Arts council of Zimbabwe also clarified the issue and told people that the organisation was working on mechanisms of insurance for artists.

“Some six years ago NACZ went into partnership with an insurance company for a medical and funeral scheme.

“Quite a number of artists took it up but the unfortunate thing is that it was not well subscribed hence it failed due to low take-up.

“We have meanwhile engaged other companies to craft an attractive package bearing in mind the fact that artists are usually not remunerated regularly due to the nature of their work that is often periodical,” Moyo said.

Mungoshi’s outstanding talent saw him being saluted by many people that attended his burial from various walks of life.

Among mourners at his funeral was Sport, Arts and Recreation deputy minister Yeukai Simbanegavi.

Speaking about the veteran author, Simbanegavi said the writer was a hero in literature.

‘’Heroes have no tags or departments because when all has been summed up we collectively qualify them as legends,’’ she said.

In a closed door meeting she called to thank the Zimbabwean Writers Association membership for their unwavering support during

Zimbabwe Writers Association chairperson Monica Cheru-Mpambawashe said their doors would remain open to assist the family in its time of need, particularly with the publishing and preservation of their colleague’s literary treasure.