Bulawayo Mortuary Converted into a Butchery
The entity which then housed Runyaradzo Funeral Parlour at the Kelvin industrial area in Bulawayo now houses The People’s Choice Butchery
RESIDENTS who only a month ago used to associate Ekhaya in Kelvin North with a sombre atmosphere cannot believe that the mood at the facility has suddenly become festive.
This is because what once was once a funeral parlour is now an all-purpose entertainment joint, where even the mortuary has been converted into a butchery. The entity which then housed Runyaradzo Funeral Parlour at the Kelvin industrial area in Bulawayo now houses The People’s Choice Butchery also known as The People’s Homage #Ekhaya.
What is of note is that the mortuary that was used to store bodies is now a butchery where patrons can get their “fresh” meat for braaing at the chill spot. The new owner, who declined to be named said they have demolished the old mortuary cold room and were now using a new one.
“The old cold room that was used by the mortuary was demolished and its right behind those walls. We have leased this place for the next couple of years and since transformed it from being a mortuary to the facilities you see today.”
Not more than a month ago, when one drove into the yard that now houses #Ekhaya, they would be greeted by a sombre atmosphere consistent with the respect given to the dead.
The conversion of the facility has brought mixed feelings from patrons with some comfortable with the new business operations. One of the patrons, Ms Sharon Moyo said she believed due processes were done to convert the mortuary into a butchery. She said:
“I work just near this place so I have known it for some time ever since it was a funeral parlour. I personally think there is nothing wrong with the new development because I believe they fumigated or changed the cold-rooms.”
Another patron who identified himself as Mr Tinashe Mrewa said it was a bit strange. He said:
“It was quite difficult for me to understand that the mortuary was now a butchery. I remember we discussed it with my workmates because I work nearby. We had a heated argument with my colleagues who expressed mixed feelings over the conversion.
“However we have since started liking the place as it is convenient for us. We can buy meat, braai and have drinks here either during lunch or after work.”
The change from a place of sorrow and grief to a place of joy and happiness is, however, synonymous with the After Tears culture practiced in South Africa. This is when people get into a celebratory mood soon after burying their loved ones and party the night out. This would be after an emotional send off. characterised by grieving.
