A Brilliant Light Extinguished Too Soon....

Life is not just short; it’s unpredictable! In the blink of an eye, a vibrant, radiant sun was eclipsed by the cruelest twist of fate, casting a shadow over the lives of those left behind. The sudden, devastating loss of Anne Madzara and her husband has torn a hole in all of us, leaving their daughter Varaidzo to grapple with a tragedy that seems like a living nightmare, akin to the dark and twisted tale from “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” In the midst of this abyss, we must remember the light Anne once brought and the legacy she leaves behind.

I have known Anne for over 20 years. From her humble beginnings at the Parks Authority in Zimbabwe, Anne Madzara rose to the international stage, embodying grace, honour, and a unique blend of compassion and intellect. As a distinguished member of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), she represented the United Nations, and Africa, the continent she loved, with unyielding determination.

Her ascent to the position of Deputy Resident Representative in Namibia was marked by unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to UNDP's mission. In her role, Anne drove programs and operations for the Country Office with immense responsibility. Her exceptional character and outstanding achievements left an indelible mark on the lives of many.

Anne's flair for style shone through in everything she did. Her fashion sense was nothing short of legendary. With her sleek, military green Peugeot 305 and vibrant personality, she could turn a drab UN meeting into a fashion runway. Her impeccable style often left the rest of us feeling like village kids trying to mimic the latest trends, only to be effortlessly outshined by Anne's innate elegance.

She devoted her life to teaching the importance of hard work, staying ahead in one's area of expertise, and the power of community and communication. Her love for her daughter, Varaidzo, was the centrepiece of her life, a beacon of light in every conversation.

The tragedy of losing Anne and her husband within days of each other has left Varaidzo facing an unimaginable ordeal. Yet, as Thomas Hardy wrote, "Happiness is an occasional episode in this general drama of pain," Anne's life stands as an extraordinary testament to the power of love, kindness, and joy, transcending the darkness that ultimately befell her.

To attempt a description of what she represented would require a book. Of all the good things that she represented, perhaps the most remarkable was the way she treated people with respect and empathy – and made each person feel loved.

Colleague Owen Shumba reminisced, "Anne taught me the importance of healthy living 23 years ago. I will never forget her." Simba Mandota reflected, "The smiling lovely sister is gone. Let's continue smiling for and between ourselves as we remember Annie."

Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations Assistant Secretary General and Anne's boss, expressed heartfelt sympathy and admiration, stating, "Anne, your strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit have always been an inspiration to us all."

Varaidzo - I know how dearly she loved you. I can’t imagine what you must be going through. Losing a parent is the biggest loss of a child’s entire life. If there was a way to take the pain away, Varaidzo, I would. I am sorry.

As I write this, I am torn between wanting to believe that this is all some bad dream that will go away and the sad reality that Anne is no more, and life will never be the same again.

What makes Anne’s passing so sad for me is that I had not been in touch for a few weeks now. Life got in the way, and I got distracted before making that call or sending a message. A call that I will never make… and a message she will never get to read in person.

If there is one lesson all this affirms, it’s got to be that: never leave till tomorrow what you can do today. I lost out on an opportunity to speak to Anne but look forward to eternal happiness when we meet again.

To friends and family - We had the blessed opportunity of knowing Anne and we know heaven just received one of the most special angels!

Life is indeed short. In these trying times, let us stand in solidarity with each other, offering our support and love to Varaidzo and family. Let us celebrate and cherish the unforgettable impact Anne had on our lives. Her legacy will live on through the countless hearts she touched, the invaluable lessons she imparted, and the inspiration she instilled in us all.

May Anne and her husband rest in eternal peace, and may we all find strength and solace in the memories and love they left behind.

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