WORDS of grief were written all over the faces of friends, family, fans and fellow actors of the beloved actress Wanga Zulu, alias Amai Guru, as they paid their last respects before subsequently burying her yesterday.

Wanga, famous for perfectly playing her role of the humble but strong willed Mai Guru in Zambezi Magics’ local telenovela Mpali, was put to rest by thousands of mourners, in a ceremony others wished could just be movie scene-not reality.

In her role as Mai Guru, the actress was wife to screen husband Monde Mutale, alias Mr Shaderick Nguzu, staged at Nguzu farm, where she was the anchor of the family.

But on Thursday, Wanga, a cervical cancer survivor, broke the hearts of many after she died at the hospital where she is reported to have suffered High Blood pressure, with a history of diabetes.

In celebratory memory of her illustrious acting career, her funeral service first started with an artistic sendoff at Lusaka Play House.

One of the many heartbreaking scenes was when Mr Nguzu’s second screen wife, Mwiza(Anita Munamonga) broke down at the sight of Wanga, not on stage with her but in a white casket on arrival at the playhouse.

Inside, a sombre aura engulfed the theater where the Nguzu family, among them Mr Nguzu, and the junior co-wives, staged a moving play with a heartbreaking scene, announcing Mai Guru’s untimely death, amid wailing.

This scene of a pain striken weeping Mr Nguzu and Junza’s co-wives left the audience and netizens who were watching proceedings online, in tears.

Later, the hearse carrying the casket of the 51- year-old mother of five was slowly driven through Church Road to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, a few minutes drive away.

During this sombre procession, searing grief overwhelmed Wanga’s only son, Justine, who is seen walking next to the moving hearse which he held with his right hand.

In the Cathedral, various speakers eulogized Wanga’s legacy of humbleness, dedication to duty, compassion and her love for God.

Her husband, Daniel Mutale, said he had lost a “super” friend, and that her death is the most difficult moment of my life “I never dreamt or thought of”.

“When I married you, we agreed that you continue with your public life and I also continue with my private life. You never lost touch with me and your children despite your busy schedule,” he said through his younger brother, Kenneth.

And screen husband, Monde painfully recounted how Wanga, who played different roles in movies like-Hopes and Dreams, Maliposa, Not My Family and Foolish Me-introduced him to theatre in 2012.

“Today, we put Wanga Zulu to rest. She was a good friend, Wanga Zulu introduced me to theater in 2012, it was out of her belief and trust that you see Nguzu today. She was a mother to everyone,” he while holding back grief.

On behalf of Junza’s screen co-wives, Samantha Zulu, who plays Lindiwe, gave a moving eulogy, recounting Junza’s humble aura and strong but gentle character.

“She carried herself with the same calm authority and compassion. She carried herself with humility and sincerity,” she said.

“Today, the set feels emptier, the screen feels quieter. She has moved from the screen to our hearts. You reminded us that strength can be gentle and influence can be humble,” she said as other co-screen wives stood besides her.

Her five children, to whom she meant the world, told mourners they would miss her loving counsel and rare ability of making people feel validated.

“Mummy you had that rear gift of making people feel seen.

“To our mother, thankyou for every sacrifice you made to make our dreams fulfilled. We carry your light forward, we will miss you every single day”.

Government was represented by Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe, who came with a condolence message from President Hakainde Hichilema.

“Zambia has lost not only a cherished artiste but a piller of the creative industry. Her portrayal of the wise, compassionate Mai Guru brought authenticity to the screens,” Kangwa, who is also an actor, said.

After body viewing, the ‘curtains closed’ on the adored actress and church elder, who was buried at Memorial Park.

(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 15th October, 2025)