It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Owen Msekiwa, a gentle and kind man who worked for Jenman African Safaris since 2009. Owen started his career at Jenman as a driver and worked his way up to guiding for us. He was one of our most careful drivers and also one of our most promising guides, having done all of our tours over his time with us. Owen was always one to offer assistance when needed on tours.
Owen’s burial was attended by over 700 people, indicative of how well he was regarded at the tender age of just 32 years. Several of our guides travelled to attend the funeral in Vic Falls, Zimbabwe (Dorcas, Maxwell, Malvern, Alfred, Johannes and more). He leaves behind his wife Tariro and 2 children. Owen was one of 10 brothers and 2 sisters. His brother Joe Msekiwa is also part of the Jenman family as a guide. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time.
Below are some heartfelt messages from Jenman African Safaris staff:
Katja Quasdorf – Owen, there are no words to describe how we all feel after hearing this tragic news. My thoughts and heart goes out to your family and every single loved one you are leaving behind. We will never forget you and we and Africa stay indebted to you for eternity … rest in peace. My thanks goes out to the entire Jenman team who have helped the family through this tragic time as best as they could as well as our guides who travelled from far and wide to be with Owen’s family on Saturday.
Jeromy Dacey – Sincere condolences to family, relatives and close friends. Owen will be sorely missed and remembered as one of our best guides. Thoughts and prayers are with your family during these tough times. RIP.
Thomas Dhliwayo – I still cannot believe you are gone mate, you will never be forgotten Owen, you were so good to everyone, very kind, loving, selfless, humble and cheerful young man. The multitudes of people gathered in Victoria Falls to pay their last respects to you yesterday and all the testimonies given say it all. We shall ever remember what a good man you are, the gap you left in the family, friends, Victoria Falls community and the whole guiding fraternity in Southern Africa can never be filled. Rest in Peace dear brother and colleague…
Helen Mbofana – Owen was a gentle soul, soft-spoken and forever smiling. One of the greatest guides I’ve worked with. He was such a great team player. Always helped me out on anything last minute including the home hosted dinner that I will never forget.
Our guests also thought very highly of him:
Guest – Owen is the best guide I ever had.
Guest – Owen was very knowledgeable, friendly, flexible and great company. We got to know him quite well and even saw his home in Vic Falls. On a few occasions, we were somewhat hot & tired and ok to give something a miss but Owen would gently coax us along and we had great experiences especially the visit to the San village. This was one of the highlights of the trip.
Guest – Owen was the best ever guide. He is capable of handling all issues, He is unbelievably educated and answers all questions. He was always friendly and we felt safe and welcome at all times.
Guest – Our guide was Owen Msekiwa. Owen was excellent and we were very well looked after throughout the trip. On a couple of days we had a very long drives and it was quite dark by the time we reached the destination but we always felt safe.
Rest in Peace Owen
