The Obelyn Legacy

Florence carried her parents' twin commitments — service and care — into a distinguished life spanning nursing and ambassadorial work. A woman of poise and purpose, she embodied the Obelyn ideal that one person, in the right role, can touch many lives. Her two children have gone on to have families of their own.

Eula Rose brought order, warmth, and a formidable organisational spirit to all she touched. As a cornerstone of family administration, she understood that the behind-the-scenes work of holding people together is as vital as any public role. She was a keeper of connections.

Patita Manjengwa, through her union with David Darare, extended the Obelyn family network with grace and dedication. Mother of five, she raised her children to carry both the Darare and Obelyn heritage forward. Her family — spread across generations — is a testament to the continuity of love. Expand each child below to see their own families.

The fourth child and first son of Obediah and Lyna, Amhurst Donald Manjengwa — known affectionately as Madowi — was a man of immense courage and deep conviction. A decorated veteran of Zimbabwe's Second Chimurenga, the liberation war that secured the country's independence, he fought not for glory but for the freedom of his people. Post-independence, he continued to serve his nation with equal dedication as a police officer — embodying the Obelyn family's unbroken commitment to service above self. He is survived by his four children.

Born on 29 January in Mutare, Barbara is the living embodiment of the Obelyn household's values. Married to Itai Alfred Chadoka in Harare in 1980, she raised four children who have gone on to build families of their own across Zimbabwe and beyond. Like Lyna before her, Barbara understood that the work of raising children well is among the most profound forms of legacy-building. Her four children and thirteen grandchildren are a testament to her steadiness and love.

The Reverend Caillar Mhlandla is the surviving twin of the Obelyn family, carrying forward her father Obediah's ministerial calling into her own life of faith and service. Her ordination as a minister under ZAOGA aka FIFMI is a direct continuation of the family's deep Methodist heritage — a daughter who became, like her father, a voice for her community and for God. She has two children who continue her line.

Crosswell, self named Godknows was the twin brother of the Reverend Caillar Mhlandla. Those who knew him describe him as being a principled, direct, straight-talker who excelled at planning and organising. Crosswell passed away in 1998, and Rev Mhlandla remains the surviving twin. He is remembered.

Owen Dadai was a larger-than-life character whose warmth, wit, and remarkable gift for connection left an indelible mark on all who encountered him. A natural marketer and salesman of rare ability, he became something of a family legend — famed for his uncanny knack of returning home ahead of all his siblings whenever the family sent the children out to sell wares such as peanut butter. Long before the others had finished their rounds, Owen would already be home. He was, in every sense, a closer. His memory lives on vividly in the hearts of his nephews, nieces, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mary-Emma Panebasa's life, though cut shorter than those around her, was no less full of meaning. Another full of life personality she was born in 1964, worked as an Administrator and is survived by her children Shongedzai and Tonderai. She is remembered with great tenderness.

Anesu Oxenham carries forward a dual inheritance — rooted in Zimbabwean soil and reaching beyond borders. Married to Grace, together they have built a family that bridges cultures and horizons. In him, the Obelyn legacy finds its global dimension, a reminder that impact knows no geography.

The youngest of the eleven, Newell Manjengwa was born on 2 January 1969 into a home already rich with life and love. He married Elizabeth Mutasa and together they built their family. His passing on 16 April 2021 closed the chapter of Obediah and Lyna's direct children — he is the last of the eleven to have been born, and among the last to leave. He is survived by his daughter Kupakwashe.