We created this online memorial to celebrate the life of Ruvimbo Tenga.
Collecting your stories, memories and images here will create a loving memorial to Ruvi's legacy.
If you are in a position to, please also consider making a donation. With your support, we can give her a dignified send-off, cover... see moreWe created this online memorial to celebrate the life of Ruvimbo Tenga.
Collecting your stories, memories and images here will create a loving memorial to Ruvi's legacy.
If you are in a position to, please also consider making a donation. With your support, we can give her a dignified send-off, cover the costs of the repatriation of her remains to her family in Zimbabwe, cover the costs of her funeral and offer continued support to her loved ones, which they will dearly need.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/ruvimbo-tenga-memorial-fund
OBITUARY
Ruvimbo was a supportive friend, loving mother, dedicated colleague, principled and fearless activist and inspirational teacher.
We mourn her passing but celebrate her extraordinary life.
Ruvimbo served as faculty on the Southern African Feminist Freedom School that Sonja Boezak and I convened in 2018. She facilitated and co-facilitated sessions and enabled participants to develop a visceral understanding of what it means to be an... moreRuvimbo served as faculty on the Southern African Feminist Freedom School that Sonja Boezak and I convened in 2018. She facilitated and co-facilitated sessions and enabled participants to develop a visceral understanding of what it means to be an intersectional Black feminist. This short video was made about the School. It features Ruvimbo prominently. In addition to where you can see her, and hear her beautiful voice, those dancing, rhythmic feet in the closing of the video are hers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucRwmlB_kOo less
I still hear her voice. I cannot believe she is gone. We carried round a huge rainbow Africa for months. Her favourite saying, 'Let's start a conversation'. And she'd start a conversation with anyone. Absolutely fearless. She taught me about the... moreI still hear her voice. I cannot believe she is gone. We carried round a huge rainbow Africa for months. Her favourite saying, 'Let's start a conversation'. And she'd start a conversation with anyone. Absolutely fearless. She taught me about the ancestors, how to kiss my teeth, about Zim. Always punky and funky and late. 'Nice hair' I'd say. 'It's not mine, Neil', she'd laugh. Always flirty and cheeky. Beautiful.
Our Let's Face It Campaign lives on, with hundreds of new followers each month, getting unity, diversity, and a deep love. Ruvimbo made that happen. Here's an album of extraordinary moments..
A giant in life, Ruvimbo's memory and work will live on. Blessed to have known you dear lady. Picturing you shining brightly in the night sky like the super star you were.
Ruvimbo , I will always remember you all my life. To me going out with you was like a stadium full of 100 0000 people. Your personality and energy will be missed.. May the road rise to meet you , may the wind be always at your back. Rest in Peace my... moreRuvimbo , I will always remember you all my life. To me going out with you was like a stadium full of 100 0000 people. Your personality and energy will be missed.. May the road rise to meet you , may the wind be always at your back. Rest in Peace my dear friend. Until we meet again... . less
I was struck by Ruvimbo's power and charisma when she performed in a play presented by SWEAT during lockdown. Afterwards I asked her whether she would participate in my visual storytelling project. It was a privilege to be entrusted with her story... moreI was struck by Ruvimbo's power and charisma when she performed in a play presented by SWEAT during lockdown. Afterwards I asked her whether she would participate in my visual storytelling project. It was a privilege to be entrusted with her story spanning (life)states, continents and cultures. Together we wove her metaphorical tradittional cloak for flying high and fast. I gathered so much from her about grit, forgiveness , love and generosity.She has animated the artwork like a superstar. less
She was an extraordinary person and will be missed but her legacy will live on .Truly blessed to have been motivated and enspired by her. My thoughts are with the family, friends ,colleagues and evryone who lifes was changed by here. Rest In Power.
I was blessed to meet Ruvi last year when we began working together. Ruvi was magic. To me, she was divine- exuding strength and confidence. While she raged loudly, there was always a serene and graceful gentleness to her. Ruvi, I will so miss your... moreI was blessed to meet Ruvi last year when we began working together. Ruvi was magic. To me, she was divine- exuding strength and confidence. While she raged loudly, there was always a serene and graceful gentleness to her. Ruvi, I will so miss your laugh, your stories and how when you hugged me, you really held me... Our time together was too short but I am ever thankful to know you. I will hold you in my heart always. Om Shanti Om. less
Ruvimbo was a powerful presence from her voice, to her beauty to her dress sense and confidence. She could be ditzy, leaving her bag behind whenever she visited (a bag full of little things to sell from Tupperware to scarves and handmade jewellery). She... moreRuvimbo was a powerful presence from her voice, to her beauty to her dress sense and confidence. She could be ditzy, leaving her bag behind whenever she visited (a bag full of little things to sell from Tupperware to scarves and handmade jewellery). She gave me a lot of lectures - especially on using accessible language, but she would always soften the blow a bit with humour (or pulling something out of that bag of hers). I loved the chats we'd have, about taking care of kids, about feminism, and politics, life. Holding her children, her partner, her family and friends and colleagues in my heart as they mourn her passing. less
Met Ruvimbo for the first time at the Love Alliance Policy Summit in Cape Town last month. She was active as they did a musical performance at the Summit. Her energy and advocacy message was powerful. Will always miss you Rue. Rest in Power.
Ruvimbo was a couple of years behind me in high school. My first encounter with her was during her first year at Girls High School where she impressed me and other members of the hockey team and became our goalie par excellence, imagine joining the first... moreRuvimbo was a couple of years behind me in high school. My first encounter with her was during her first year at Girls High School where she impressed me and other members of the hockey team and became our goalie par excellence, imagine joining the first team in form 1!!! Rutendo was a force, her cheerfulness, humour and contagious joy and energy just made us love her. To know you was to love you Ruvimbo, go well. May the heavens watch over your 4 kids lioness. Per Ardua Ad Astra! less
I will never forget how Ruvimbo fiercely challenged me in my privilege, while at the same time inviting me in. I don't know why she always invited me in, but it did make our encounters warm and authentic. We owe her so much. Warmest condolences to her... moreI will never forget how Ruvimbo fiercely challenged me in my privilege, while at the same time inviting me in. I don't know why she always invited me in, but it did make our encounters warm and authentic. We owe her so much. Warmest condolences to her partner, children, family and friends. May she be at peace and rest well. xx less
It was never a dull moment with her. She would walk into the room and her smile would radiate making us all feel better. She was fearless and funny, not afraid of taking chances and speaking up. I love her so much.... Goodbye friend, till we meet in the... moreIt was never a dull moment with her. She would walk into the room and her smile would radiate making us all feel better. She was fearless and funny, not afraid of taking chances and speaking up. I love her so much.... Goodbye friend, till we meet in the next life ❣💔 less
What a shock to receive this news. Ruvi, you will be remembered for your courage, fierceness and a gentleness that I feel blessed to experience. Rest in Power Ruvi, you will be missed.