The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
THE death of former Highlanders rugby player, Lameck Kasuka was and is indeed heart-wrenching . . . However, the truth of the matter is that the jolly old fellow had lost all hope of living, as suggested by his communication with some of his close friends.
Lamsuka, as he was warmly referred to, died at the age of 49 last Sunday at the United Bulawayo Hospitals.
In his rather last exclusive interview with Sunday Life sometime in April this year, Lamsuka who had drastically lost weight, said he had accepted his fate and that his last wish was to get his autobiography, which he had been penning for the greater part of his life published.
“I think this is the end of the road for me . . . I’m tired, I have accepted my fate and I can feel that I am shutting down. I however, need to get my book published, I need you (Peter Matika) and Fortune Mbele to assist me with that. The only catch is that I need to find the book first. It is with a lady that was helping me put it together,” he said.
Lamsuka said there were a number of issues in the book that he wanted the world to know about his life and experiences.
“I know this is the end of the road for me and I need to have that book published. There are some things that need to be known to the world. There are also some things that need to be exposed about some people,” he said, declining to divulge further information about the contents of the book.
He also hinted that there were elements in the book that would trigger a storm within the medical fraternity, particularly at UBH.
“As I lived the greater part of my life here (Bartley Memorial Block) I have played witness to a lot, good and bad. You know there are a lot of things that need to be made right and I pray this book may be a beacon to that,” he said.
Perhaps as fate would have it Lamsuka managed to find part of the book.
Below is an extract of WhatsApp messages sent between Lamsuka and Sunday Life senior reporter Peter Matika (PM) between the month of April and June before the time of his death.
Lamsuka: I think this is the end of the road for me.
PM: What do you mean? Are you okay?
Lamsuka: I’m dying.
PM: You’re joking; I’ll come see you soon.
Lamsuka: Okay . . .
Lamsuka: Zikhupani? I-half yebhuku ngiyitholile (What’s up I found part of the book).
PM: Great, so now we can start working.
Lamsuka: Zithini mfana wasekhaya (What’s up young man).
PM: Usharp?
Lamsuka: Ngingcono.
Lamsuka: Ah Tshomi kuyala (My friend I’m losing the fight).
PM: Let me come and see you.
Lamsuka: U can come young man.
PM: Sharp
Unfortunately arrangements for work on the book could not be done, as Lamsuka’s condition rapidly deteriorated and he ultimately passed away.
Who was Lamsuka?
Lameck Kasuka was a rugby player who got injured during a training session at the age of 19. He suffered a spinal injury, which left him bound to a wheel chair. He would have marked a 26-year milestone of living in hospital this year. He lived at UBH’s Bartley Memorial Block, where he was cared for by staff, he described as his family. He lived there since his injury on 25 January 1990.
He said it was easier and less cumbersome in hospital than at home as he could receive all the care he needed. Since his injury, his body was in a paralytic state, with only his right arm functional.
Kasuka had a foundation (Lamsuka Foundation) that catered for the less fortunate and needy. The foundation offered periodic free medical checkups and medication to the elderly and needy.
On the sports side of things he hosted an annual western schools rugby tourney — the LAMSUKA western schools’ rugby tournament. The tournament particularly paid interest to western schools rugby development.
He was also into pageantry and hosted a modelling competition — Mr and Miss Lamsuka — every year. Before his injury Kasuka was blessed with a child — Patience — who has since blossomed into a woman.
At the time of his death, Savanna Tobacco had agreed to assist Kasuka, who ran a rugby tournament through his Lamsuka Foundation.
He was laid to rest on Thursday at Lady Stanley Cemetery, a cemetery reserved for those who make outstanding contributions in society.
According to the Lady Stanley burial criteria, one must have made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of the community as a whole in one or more of the fields of social activities, civic matters, education, religious leadership, business leadership, sport, charity, journalism, outstanding donations (in kind or cash) outstanding trade unionism leadership, invention which benefited the community as a whole and any other outstanding contribution as may be deemed appropriate from time to time.
