I am not a hugely religious person, and when I do deliberate with myself on religion, I tend to keep it to myself. I guess you could say that the religious side of me is private.

Yesterday in Harare there was a large funeral service for Morgan Tsangirai’s wife, Susan, and today in Buhera, she will be interred at the family rural home.

President Mugabe addressed the mourners, stating that the loss was ‘the hand of God’.

My experience with death has largely been in connection with the job I once had in the Zimbabwe Republic Police in the 1980’s. I have only experienced two deaths within my immediate family unit.

But I can tell you this - Zimbabweans are very respectful of death. Death may be very final, but it is also deeply religious to families. And to that end, I will ignore the circumstances of Susan’s death entirely.

My message today is simple.

Live and let live.

The history of Zimbabwe is steeped in the deaths of many, many people - black, white, coloured - all and each a personal tragedy to someone, a family, loved ones - a loss felt deeply somewhere.

As a nation, perhaps we will allow one woman’s passing to become a point at which life in Zimbabwe is given a definitive chance.

Susan Tsvangirai was a mother and a wife - first and foremost - and someone to whom people turned to for strength, solace, reassurance and love. I, sadly, never met Susan, but having read through the various articles and having gone through the messages of condolence that are on the internet, it feels as if I did at least have a small insight into the kind of person she was.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai mourns for his wife, Susan

Article upon article has repeated the fact that she shied away from the media and sought to provide a home for her six children and her husband.

I have read how she unstintingly attended court each day while her husband faced charges of treason. Her quiet and determined spirit obviously gave Morgan such hope and inspiration.

I have read how she sought to alleviate the suffering of the people in Zimbabwe - how she worked, almost anonymously, for the wellbeing of her fellow Zimbabwean.

Let us celebrate her life, her achievements - let us be stronger for her stalwart belief in her husband and Zimbabwe.

We could and should learn from her determination and her faith in the system and her fellow man.

And let us ensure that her memory and legacy is a stepping stone to the securing of that which Zimbabweans worldwide have worked for - a true democracy, a fair and trusted government - and a country where colour means nothing, only the collective willing of the population to create a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe.

I have little to add, other than to repeat the words of the person closest and most well known to her - her husband of 31 years, our Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai:

“Let’s celebrate her existence as God’s gift to me and you.”

To the Prime Minister and his six children, I offer my condolences and sympathy.

The world is a lesser place for the passing of Susan Nyaradzo Tsvangirai.

Go with God, Susan.

Robb WJ Ellis
The Bearded Man