The passing of Mai Guru of Mpali has really hit hard in Zambian entertainment. Fans and fellow artists are trying to come to terms with the unexpected loss of one of the country’s most cherished actresses. Wanga Zulu, who many remember as the beloved Mai Guru from the popular sitcom Mpali, sadly passed away on October 9, 2025. She fought a courageous battle with cancer, which had come back after years of being in remission.
The 51-year-old star, known for playing the wise and steadfast eldest wife of the polygamous Nguzu, sadly passed away at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. Family and friends shared that she fought bravely, but it was ultimately a heartbreaking battle.
Her leaving hits hard, especially during breast cancer awareness month, making the grief felt nationwide even more intense for a woman who truly represented strength in both her life and her various roles. Zulu’s journey from being a dedicated schoolteacher to becoming a well-known figure in Zambian television is truly a local legend.
She grew up in Zambia and decided to leave the classroom in the early 2000s to pursue her love for acting. That choice really paid off when she got the role of Mai Guru in Mpali, which premiered in 2009 and soon became a cultural favourite.
Mai Guru, the matriarch of Nguzu’s seven wives, was the voice of reason and the one who dished out tough love. She served as the emotional anchor for the bustling household, reflecting Zulu’s own warm and nurturing personality off-screen.
She took on the role of a devoted mother to Haimbe, Nguzu’s mischievous son, in a lively family setting that really drew in audiences with its mix of humour, drama, and the everyday experiences of Zambian life.
Over the years, Mpali’s episodes attracted millions of viewers, making Zulu a symbol of family strength and quiet wisdom. Her lines became popular quotes in homes from Lusaka to the Copperbelt.
But Zulu’s story was anything but a scripted fairy tale. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, she candidly talked about her fears and the ups and downs of her treatment. She came out on the other side as a survivor, inspiring many women who were going through similar struggles.
During a 2020 interview, she talked about leaving her teaching career behind for the unpredictable journey of acting. She described it as a leap of faith that, despite the challenges, brought her so much joy.
It’s really heartbreaking that the disease came back recently, resulting in her being hospitalised just days before she passed away. It was such a quick and intense illness that took a lot of people by surprise. One fan even said, “How can this be?” Mai Guru was always there for us.
It seems she had a stroke around 10 days ago, which has made her health situation even more complicated.
People have been sharing their memories and love for Zulu all over social media, remembering that infectious laugh and generous spirit that touched so many lives. On social media, Shazzy Phiri, who played her on-screen son Haimbe in Mpali, shared a heartfelt black status update. He captioned it with just a broken heart emoji, which really resonated with fans who loved the “stubborn mummy’s boy” dynamic they had come to cherish.
Veteran actor Patrick Salubusa, who used to lead the National Association of Media Arts, wrote a heartfelt goodbye: “Go well, my sister.” Mpali, and the whole film industry, just won’t be the same without your kind, beautiful spirit.
Co-star Anna Munamonga, who played one of Nguzu’s wives, shared some emotional photos with the caption, “Wanga shuwa monga Boza, RIP,” mixing Bemba sadness with a strong bond of friendship.
Politicians even chimed in, with many sharing their condolences and highlighting her role as a cultural ambassador who connected generations through laughter and valuable lessons.
Fans have really transformed social media into a kind of digital shrine. One viral post said, “Wanga Zulu’s Mai Guru wasn’t just a character; she embodied the spirit of every Zambian mother: fierce, loving, and unyielding.”
Rest easy, legend. Another user shared, “It’s amazing how they go from teaching kids to showing us all what grace under pressure really looks like.” Today, Zambia’s screen said goodbye to a true gem.
The hashtag #RIPMaiGuru took off across the country, with clips of her funniest moments making the rounds like beloved family videos. Each view felt like a little act of defiance against the sadness of saying goodbye.
Zambia is taking a moment to remember Wanga Zulu, and it’s got people wondering what’s next for Mpali now that it’s missing its guiding light.
Producers haven’t said anything yet about whether the episodes will go on as scheduled or if they’re planning a tribute special. But one thing’s for sure: her legacy as Mai Guru will definitely live on, becoming a part of Zambian storytelling.
This year has been tough with so many goodbyes, and Zulu’s passing really hits home about how fragile our icons can be, while also highlighting the lasting impact of the roles they played.
