GoFundMe Campaign Sparks Debate on the Legacy of Tuku’s Daughters

A GoFundMe campaign for Tuku’s daughters, Sandra and Selmor, has been started by Nancy Chimbizi, a UK-based admirer of the late Zimbabwean music superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi. The move has drawn attention and generated both praise and criticism. Chimbizi claims that the effort aims to lift the two women’s spirits. It follows the widely reported gift of a high-end car to Tuku’s widow, Daisy Mtukudzi, from Sir Wicknell Chivayo.

Many people have an odd mixture of admiration and empathy for the sisters because of their initiative. Chimbizi, who has listened to Tuku’s music nonstop since she was a young child, said that her drive stems from a sincere sense of concern and longing for the late musician’s family. She makes a powerful argument about the emotional toll that family conflicts, particularly those resulting from divorce, may have, and she feels that society should encourage sensitivity.

However, the reason for the wider discussions is the timing of this event. Chivayo’s lavish gift to Daisy has been the main topic of conversation on social media, with several Zimbabweans wondering why the daughters—who are also well-known public figures—would require or even desire outside financial assistance. However, Chimbizi’s endeavour seems to be more of a symbolic act of love and solidarity than it does of financial significance. She clarifies that the goal is to demonstrate that, despite the focus on family issues in the media, some people still have good intentions for Sandra and Selmor, just out of reverence for their father’s legacy.

This kind deed reveals a great deal about how public opinion and celebrity culture interact. It poses important questions about how society views and handles popular figures—especially those who are born into fame—when they experience personal adversity. Supporting the Mtukudzi sisters isn’t just about money; it’s also a reflection of a larger discussion about how important families and cultural icons are to Zimbabweans.

Some people, like Chimbizi, see the GoFundMe campaign as an opportunity to “spread love” and emphasise the value of compassion, particularly in a time when being famous frequently leads to estrangement rather than support. “Let love lead Zimbabweans,” she urged, imploring anyone who share her thoughts to give, no matter how modest the sum.

It is important to remember, though, that not everyone has responded favourably to the campaign. Opponents contend that well-known individuals who have made their own professions, like Sandra and Selmor, shouldn’t be the target of what some refer to as “pity campaigns.” Others believe that since both women are capable of supporting themselves, there is no need for the effort. This contrast between unintentional patronisation and well-meaning pity highlights how difficult it is to navigate public support in the digital era.

The advertisement also raises awareness to the larger problem of celebrity families and how they manage the legacies of their well-known ancestors even after they have passed away. There’s no denying that their father’s influence has a lasting impact on Sandra and Selmor, bringing with it both praise and criticism. It’s difficult to strike a balance between one’s own personality and the high expectations placed on oneself by the public for being “Tuku’s daughters.” So, in that continuing story, this fundraising is a fascinating aside.

Whether or not the campaign meets its funding goal, the real discussion should be on Zimbabweans’ perspectives on solidarity. A more compassionate and understanding society that acknowledges the emotional struggles that popular figures face in the shadow of their fame is what the GoFundMe symbolises. It’s about realising that no matter one’s standing in society, grief, family strife, and personal adversity are universal human experiences.

Chimbizi’s efforts might spark a wider conversation about how the legacies of famous people like Oliver Mtukudzi are maintained—not just via their music or public works, but also through how those they leave behind are treated—as social media continues to support both sides of the argument.

Chimbizi has made the GoFundMe page accessible for anyone wishing to watch the campaign’s progress or make a contribution; all funds will be sent straight to Sandra and Selmor. This project seems to be centred around a single subject, even though the discussion around it may change over time: how much do we as a society actually care about the welfare of the families who raise our beloved icons?

More: The Zim Bulletin