A cloud of mourning hanged in the atmosphere at Makonde graveyard, when one of the most experienced custodians of indigenous knowledge systems, and prominent herbalist, was buried on Saturday.

People flocked in large numbers from all corners of the country, to attend the burial of Mrs Nyadzani Gedela (87), who commanded respect by saving the lives of thousands, since she started her trade 40 years ago.

Through her herbs, Nyadzani was a champion of U simetshedza (assisting women who cannot conceive, to have children). She was also good at treating sexual transmitted diseases, for both men and women. Nyadzani was also very good at treating child illnesses. She died two weeks ago, after a short illness.

She would always be remembered for her willingness to help, her smile and spirit of sharing information with fellow community members. "I am not a traditional healer as many people think. I am only a herbalist," she used to say, during her lifetime.

Nyadzani’s death has left a void that will be difficult to fill at a time when everyone is preaching about preserving the African practices and norms.

During her funeral, speaker after speaker expressed disgust and pain about her death because many people were still dependent on her knowledge. When speaking to the mourners at the funeral, Marcus Malume of the Makonde Royal Council said Nyadzani’s death is terrible blow to the community. "One death is too many for us as leaders. Our traditional leader, Thovhele Ravhura has also expressed his condolences to the Gedela family. May her soul rest in peace."