Zimbabwe's business community yesterday bade farewell to businesswoman and philanthropist Noreen Masiiwa, who was laid to rest at her rural home following her death on July 17.
She was 68.
Masiiwa was the daughter of one of Zimbabwe’s pioneering Black-owned business families, whose entrepreneurial roots date back to the Rhodesian era when opportunities for African-owned enterprises were limited. She began her education at Mhamburai Primary School, where she excelled academically, earning three distinctions before enrolling at Marist Mission School.
However, her education ended in Form One after she was withdrawn from school to help run the family business.
That sacrifice became the foundation of her lifelong commitment to education. "
She never forgot what it felt like to leave school early. That is why education became her passion," her brother, Moses Murenjekwa, said. "Noreen believed that if you educate one child, you uplift an entire family. She made sure no child in our family lacked school fees. She was firm, loving and led by example."
Working alongside her late father, Lovell Masiiwa, and late brother, Gilbert Masiiwa, the family sponsored the education of more than 30 children from primary school through to university, both in Zimbabwe and abroad.
Their investment produced professionals in diverse fields, including lawyers, accountants, doctors, nurses, educators, information technology specialists, politicians and business leaders. Among them is regional banking executive Maro Kanempawo.
Today, the Masiiwa family's business interests span Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Dubai and South Africa.
In Shamva and Bindura, Masiiwa was widely respected as a business leader, philanthropist and pillar of a family enterprise that has served local communities for more than four decades.
She was also remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother and woman of deep Christian faith.
Speaking during the funeral service, Kumbirai Musopero described Masiiwa as "a heroine of love" whose life reflected the biblical command in Romans 13:8 to love one another.
"She owed nobody anything except love. She loved her community, her children and God. Her life was a testimony of selfless service," Musopero said.
Paying tribute to his sister, Murenjekwa said her greatest legacy was not only the businesses she helped build but also the generations she empowered through education.
"She was quiet, but her impact was loud. To us, she was not just a sister but a mother to many. Her legacy lives on through the educated children and the businesses that continue to create employment and transform lives," he said.