Johannesburg โ In a saga that captured headlines across Southern Africa, prominent Zimbabwean businessman Mutumwa Dziva Mawere will finally be laid to rest at Fourways Memorial Park Cemetery in Johannesburg on Monday, following a protracted legal dispute between his paternal and maternal relatives.ย
Mawere (66), a well-known figure in both Zimbabwean and South African business circles, died on 15 January 2026 in Johannesburg after complications linked to a stroke he suffered in 2024. The tycoon, who held South African citizenship and lived much of his later life in South Africa, had a long and influential career spanning mining, manufacturing, banking and finance.
However, his funeral plans were thrown into confusion after members of his paternal and maternal families failed to agree on where he should be buried. While some relatives strongly pushed for his remains to be repatriated to Zimbabwe โ specifically his ancestral home in Mawere, Gutu โ others supported plans for burial in South Africa.
The dispute escalated into court proceedings, with both sides seeking legal clarity on burial rights. This followed a flurry of filings and an urgent application aimed at stopping the burial, which alleged procedural and customary issues around the handling of Mawereโs care and funeral arrangements.
After deliberation, the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg ruled in favour of burial in South Africa, clearing the way for funeral plans to proceed at Fourways Memorial Park. Previous arrangements scheduled for Friday were postponed pending the courtโs decision, but with the ruling now in place, the service is set for Monday morning.
Funeral services are being managed by Zororo-Phumulani, a company experienced in high-profile send-offs. CEO Oliver Mufudze said the firm is working closely with Mawereโs family to ensure a dignified farewell that honours the legacy of a man whose entrepreneurial achievements touched many lives.
Mawereโs rise to prominence came in the 1990s, notably through his leadership of Shabanie Mashaba Mines (SMM) Holdings, which at its peak was a major player in Zimbabweโs industrial sector. His business empire later faced government scrutiny and eventual takeover, sparking long-running legal battles that saw him living in exile in South Africa for many years.
Despite the complexities surrounding his final journey, the burial at Fourways Memorial Park marks the conclusion of a chapter in Southern African business history and a moment for family, colleagues, and supporters to pay their respects.