Epilogue

This epilogue connects perfectly with the opening prologue where Tawanda is having a dramatic exchange with Tawanda Zvichauya, one of the freedom fighters who fought alongside Chamunorwa. The setting is in 1988 in Post independent Zimbabwe at an unnamed beerhall. Tawanda tells the playwright how he lost his arm on the day Chamunorwa was captured. He was carried back to Zambia after losing his arm and then taken to Mozambique where he was one of the lucky survivors of the Chimoio bombing where he sustained serious body injuries. This again reveals the cruelty of the whites. Reference to the Chimoio massacres or bombing is a historical allusion that creates a very sad atmosphere due to the number of innocent blacks (women and children) who perished. Tawanda also narrates the ordeal that he went through after the war. He and fellow fighters looked forward to an independent Zimbabwe that afforded them decent jobs, accommodation, respect and education but nothing materialised. The war time promises were not fulfilled. To make matters worse, Tawanda was now disabled and not capable of being gainfully employed. No one was prepared to employ him due to his disability. He and other disabled war vets were taken to Ruwa Rehabilitation Center where they would receive training for various trades to be able to be able to look after themselves or be self employed. However, they were soon expelled from Ruwa Rehabilitation Center and soon became destitutes. Tawanda’s story shows he and other freedom fighters yearned for respect and recognition. He asks the playwright to help him sing Ropa rakadeuka song to register his bitterness and anguish into Borrowdale location where he stayed with his young brother. He was fully aware or cognisant of the fact that his Young brother would not accept that. The epilogue clearly articulates that the post war period did not reward the freedom fighters for their sacrifice. Instead, those who did not fight in the liberation struggle like Alex are enjoying the fruits of their (freedom fighters) sacrifice. They are living luxurious lives at the expense of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives, time and limbs to liberate the country from Colonialism.

As they continue singing, the setting changes to Alex Zvichauya’s home in Borrowdale. Voices from Tawanda and Co’s singing are heard. They irritate Alex who becomes restless.