Chifunyise was an arts aficionado and co-founder of several arts organizations, including the Children’s Performing Arts Workshop, which has birthed world-class stars, including
Hollywood actress Danai Gurira.
Chifunyise
wrote more than 70 plays, with most performed on stage, radio and television in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sweden, South Africa, Malawi, India and Great Britain.
He also served in
various public positions for the Zimbabwean and Zambian governments.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, which Chifunyise served from 2004 to 2008, was “enveloped with intense anguish, sadness and complete helplessness” at the passing of the veteran playwright, according to
a Facebook post.
“Indeed, as Zimbabweans, particularly practitioners in the creative and cultural industries we have lost a legend, father figure, coach and mentor who was an exceptional arts and culture policy expert whose knack of understanding UNESCO Conventions, culture and heritage frameworks and policies was unmatched.”
The playwright’s fans also took to social media to express their condolences.