By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care has turned down a request by the Musaka family request to hold a memorial service for the late Zimdancehall star, Soul Jah Love born Soul Muzavazi Musaka.
In a letter to the family, the Secretary for Health and Child Care, Jasper Chimedza said the decision was part of government’s efforts to curb a further spread of the Covid-19 virus.
This comes after government imposed strict Covid-19 regulations and guidelines which include gatherings of not more than 30 people.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care is in receipt of your letter dated 14 May 2021 seeking guidance to comply with Covid-19 regulations on the memorial service for the late Cde. Soul Muzavazi Musaka.
“The ministry advises against holding of such big events at this juncture due to the following: 1. Taking note of the existing Covid-19 control guidelines that stipulate the number of such gatherings not to exceed 30.
“2. The presence of the new variant from India which is circulating in the country which can cause a huge spread. 3. The possibility of many people gathering in big numbers, making it difficult to institute Covid-19 control measures,” reads the letter to Soul Jah Love older brother, Tendai Musaka.
Jah Love died aged 31 on the 16th of February upon arrival atMbuya Dorcus Hospital in Waterfalls, Harare.
While the cause of his death has remained unclear reports claim he succumbed to sugar diabetes which he was diagnosed with at a tender age.
Zimdancehall musician, Seh Calaz took to Facebook pleading with government to allow an intimate physical gathering for the bereaved family only.
“Soul Jah Luv memorial has been rejected by Ministry of Health in respect to Covid-19 regulations.
“Bho here iyi? Kovakuru. Hazviite vangoita 30 ka nemhuri yaSauro and close ones vamwe toonera pa live, TV or pa Youtube,” reads his FB post.