The Faffy in Mai Faffy’s: a tribute to Tafadzwa Karase (1985-2010)
If you have spent any amount of time in Harare, you’ll know of a popular spot called Mai Faffy’s. Located in the heart of Avondale – at one of the city’s busiest shopping complexes – Mai Faffy’s serves some of the tastiest sadza and relish to be had in Harare.
And as with any place named in such affectionate terms, there is a story behind Mai Faffy’s – a story I recall Faffy herself telling me.
After a spell of giving birth to only baby boys, Faffy’s mother finally had a baby girl – a girl she named Tafadzwa.
Faffy was the term of endearment that the family used to call Tafadzwa and it stuck so hard that everyone called her Faffy from then onwards.
Even to the day she died.
Faffy died in a car accident last week Monday, on the 12th of April – a needless loss at the young age of 24. She would have turned 25 in October.
I only learnt of her death last Thursday from her best friend who sent me an SMS to tell me the shocking news.
It’s still unbelievable.
You may not have known Faffy, but on behalf of all who did know her – and in particular her friends and family – there is need to remember this remarkable young woman who has left this earth too soon.
What do you say when someone so full of life and promise dies so prematurely? Where do you start?
I remember getting a call from Faffy the day before I left to relocate to South Africa in November last year.
Faffy called me early in the evening wanting to make a plan to go out as her farewell gift to me.
I told her that I had a heap of ironing to do and would have to think about it first. Her response was typical Faffy.
“Stuff the iron in your bag and get all that done when you get to SA!”
In her world, there was too much living to be done without having to worry about mundane chores. I obviously didn’t listen to her, but now I wish I had and had just seized the moment and added yet another memory to the collection of brief moments that I spent with her.
When I asked her best friend, who’s also called Tafadzwa, what she’d like me to share about Faffy, she gave me a long list of things.
But perhaps the most striking thing she shared was the range of people who attended Faffy’s funeral this past Saturday to pay their final respects to her. The lady who sold tomatoes from the corner of the block where Faffy lived came. Her neighbour, who named her child in honour of Faffy for escorting her to hospital in the desperate final stages of labour, also came.
Her kindness and accommodation of all people was well known and celebrated by those who loved and appreciated her most as they bade her a fond farewell.
Tafadzwa and I wanted to let you know about our remarkable friend, about the girl who always made time to brighten someone’s day, about the girl behind Mai Faffy’s.
She will live on in the vibe and atmosphere of Mai Faffy’s, in the laughter and chatter of friends and strangers alike who gather there each and every day.
So long Faffy, and thank you for the memories of a life well lived.
Tuesday, April 20th 2010 at 1:25 pm
A touching tribute… a befitting farewell to a soul that embraced life, warmth and compassion. May she rest in peace. And thank you for sharing this remarkable young woman with us.
Tuesday, April 20th 2010 at 7:34 pm
Its so sad we are losing our youth at such a young age, i always used to wonder what mai faffy meant, learning what it means on such a sad note is so unfortunate. May GOD comfort her family and friends, may her soul rest in peace….
Wednesday, April 21st 2010 at 8:47 am
My condolences. These accidents, always take those close to our hearts and the most promising young peple. When will this scourge be stopped?
Wednesday, April 21st 2010 at 11:22 am
Faffie a selfless young woman truly was as described by loved all and left a mark in the lives of all she came across. She will be remembered always with love
Wednesday, April 21st 2010 at 3:56 pm
hats off to a life well lived. a premature death, yet a life worth evry breath taken. what was achievd by faffy in her 24 years can never be achievd by some in an antire 100 years of life. no fears, no cares and most importantly, no enemies. hw marvelous!
Thursday, April 22nd 2010 at 9:54 am
May her dear soul rest in erternal peace.
Saturday, April 24th 2010 at 9:25 pm
I just want to share this with people who know Tafadzwa . I am based in UK. I met her briefly on my recent visit to Zimbabwe . Met her on 23/3/10. She was introduced to me through the White Ribbon Alliance for Safemotherhood. She called me to meet and discuss. We had dinner that evening. with other WRA members. W e had agreat time and I had only met her hours earlier. She dropped me home . Icame back to Uk singing praisies about her . An inspiring young person I thought,, with so much energy, so much to give and so much enthusiasm and jovial. Within days of returning to Uk on the 28th of March emails were flying about .And from her emails you could sense the commitment and drive to make White Ribbon Alliance a reality in Zim. I still cant believe she is gone . For Tafadzwa we have to keep the White Ribbon Alliance initiative in Zimbabwe going . RIP
Wednesday, April 28th 2010 at 6:15 pm
Great ol’gal, may her soul rest in peace.
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 9:43 am
Only knew her for a short time but awesome girl always made me laugh such a tragic thing this was RIP Faf
Saturday, June 26th 2010 at 3:59 am
I still remember my crazy frend, our gud tyms at Africa University ….and her popular statement, ‘Ha, Mela’. Fafy was known on campus by everyone including ana sekuru vaidisher food kwamai kagurabadza. I remember hw we used to bunk lectures togetha, but stil made it in 2007. fafi, yu wr a hero…I wonder if u eva had stress in yo lyf coz u wr always insanely, happy but the Lord giveth and taketh. I’ve learnt to be happy always-jus as our name implies, sazita wangu… Love u and R.I.P, my frend & my father’s frend’s daughter.
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 11:57 pm
thank you..
faffy its been a year.. my darling sister i dnt knw wen e pain or e tears will stop i miss u so much.. nt a day goes by. mwari ndimi makamutora muchengetei please..