The nation mourns the passing of renowned historian and novelist, Pathisa Nyathi, who died on Saturday at the age of 73. He had been unwell for some time and was admitted to Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo on Friday, according to family spokesman Reverend Paul Damasane. His death marks the end of an era, silencing a powerful voice in Zimbabwean scholarship and cultural preservation.
Born in Kezi, Matabeleland South, in 1951, Nyathi’s life was a testament to dedication and intellectual pursuit. His academic journey began at Sankonjana Primary School in Matobo District, continuing through Tuli, and culminating in secondary education at Mazowe High School in Mashonaland Central Province. He later pursued further education through distance learning, achieving A-levels in Geography and Biology before training as a secondary school teacher at Gweru Teachers’ College. His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982 and a BA (Hons) in 1985, specialising in Geography and Development Administration.
Nyathi’s career spanned diverse fields, reflecting his multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to his country. He taught at numerous schools and a college across Zimbabwe, including Loreto, Usher, Howard, David Livingstone, St Columba’s, Sobukhazi, Gweru Teachers’ College, Gloag High, and Nketa High. His experience extended beyond the classroom, encompassing roles as an education officer in Matabeleland North, deputy provincial education director, public relations officer with the Bulawayo City Council, and consultant in the Ministry of Water Resources.
Beyond his formal employment, Nyathi dedicated himself to enriching Zimbabwean arts and culture. He served as the secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Writers’ Union (1989-1990), chairman of the National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) Matabeleland North (1990-1995), and deputy director of the Mthwakazi Actors and Writers Association (MAWA). His involvement extended to chairing the Zimbabwe Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association (ZANA) Bulawayo Branch, the Zimbabwe Writers Union (Bulawayo Branch), and the Mpopoma High School Development Association. He was also a committee member of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee of Zimbabwe (2009).
His influence permeated numerous boards, including the Zimbabwe International Book Fair (ZIBF) (1989-1998); the Zimbabwe Book Development Council (ZBDC); the Mambo Press Editorial Advisory Board; the Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP); the Community Foundation for the Western Region of Zimbabwe; Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH); Transmedia (2002-2009); the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo; and the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) (2010). His prolific writing career resulted in over 50 books, and he also penned a regular newspaper column exploring Ndebele customs and traditions. His works covered the histories of southern African tribes, their migrations and interrelations, and biographies of historical figures.
Tributes poured in following the announcement of his death. Former Cowdray Park MP Pashor Sibanda eloquently captured the nation’s sentiment: “Zimbabwe has lost a monumental figure in Pathisa Nyathi, a guardian of our history, a reservoir of wisdom, and a beacon of cultural pride. His legacy is etched into the soul of our nation, guiding us forward.”
On social media, Zimbabweans remembered him as a “custodian of Zimbabwean heritage” and lauded his “tireless efforts to preserve and share Zimbabwe’s rich history.” One user, @malaikadiva, wrote on X: “Nyathi was a wealth of knowledge, a custodian of our history and customs. He was always so willing to share his knowledge and teach anyone who would ask. He inspired so many of us to research.”
Nyathi’s contributions extended beyond academia and official roles. He was a renowned novelist, cultural practitioner, publisher, and founder of the Amagugu International Heritage Centre in Bulawayo. His unwavering Afrocentric views and perspectives were a defining characteristic of his work and advocacy. His dedication to preserving and promoting Zimbabwean heritage earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 National Arts Merits Awards (NAMA), a fitting recognition of his extraordinary contributions.
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Zimbabwean scholars and cultural enthusiasts. The passing of Pathisa Nyathi leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but his work will remain a lasting testament to his profound impact on Zimbabwean history and culture.
