Jeke Malambo and Bene Chiile both died in the early 50s. Jeke lost his life after climbing a tree to cut branches of wood; he lost his balance and fell breaking his neck. Bene Chiile died after a long illness of dysentery. Coming from the same village, Chimbamu and Mainza were well acquainted. They crossed paths at school or village gatherings and their parents were close friends. Mainza, six years older than Chimbamu saw her mature into a young woman. He liked her and so did she. Later they secretly committed to one another. After primary education, Chimbamu went to Chikuni mission school for her secondary education. Mainza had completed his secondary education and had moved to Livingstone where he worked as a court clerk. From a distance they continued their relationship and regularly wrote to one another. Early in 1953, Mainza could no longer wait to marry Chimbamu. He set off for Chikuni and met with the Prinicipal of Chikuni mission, a priest, and announced his intention to marry Chimbamu. The priest was concerned as she was young and still in school. However, Mainza promised to look after her well. Chimbamu, aged 17, accepted Mainza’s proposal and abandoned school. They married on May 24 1953. To compensate for pulling his young bride out of school, Mainza educated her in the best way he could. He sent her to night school and elementary typing school. He taught her how to drive and sent her to the United Kingdom to improve her English. She excelled and proved to be a good spouse to Mainza as he rose in his public and political career. She stood by Mainza in his fluctuating political career. She was his confident and he relied on her greatly. Mainza and Chimbamu were birds of the same feather who believed in the same principles and values. They hardly disagreed over what was best for their children. Proud of being villagers and of being Catholic, they believed in simplicity and together they raised their eight children, teaching them the importance of peace, love and humility. When she was not involved in the political scenario, Chimbamu run her home, entertained guests, visited the sick, grew vegetables in her garden, raised chickens, made clothes and knitted. She knew not to be idle. Mainza loved his wife and greatly elevated her. He also had a particular love for her name “Chimbamu” which caused people to often raise their eyebrows at the manner in which he articulated whenever he called her. To this effect, a great number of children from the Chona family have named their children, Chimbamu. When Mainza was taken ill in 1999, Chimbamu’s life also changed. She stood by him and dedicated herself into looking after him. With her by his side, he coped well. She educated herself on how to care for patients with renal failure she saw him through dialysis sessions and carefully monitored his every meal. This was perhaps the most stressful and hardest time of Chimbamu’s life. As sad as she was to see her husband waste away, she persevered and nursed him right to the end. Chimbamu, passed the marriage vow, “… in sickness and in health, till death do us part.” |
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