Bulawayo, (New Ziana) –The Bulawayo City Council has paid tribute to the late educationist, author, and historian Pathisa Nyathi, who passed away on Saturday at Mater Dei Hospital after battling a recurring illness.
He was 73.
Nyathi was a revered figure in Zimbabwe, celebrated for his lifelong commitment to preserving the country’s history and culture. Born in Kezi, Matabeleland South, in 1951, Nyathi authored over 50 books and contributed a regular newspaper column on the history, customs, and traditions of the Ndebele people. A former teacher, Nyathi chronicled the histories of Southern African tribes, their migrations, and the lives of prominent historical figures.
In a statement, Bulawayo City mayor David Coltart described Nyathi as “a cultural icon and leader with a vast wealth of knowledge.”
He praised Nyathi’s unwavering commitment and passion for the development of Bulawayo, the Matabeleland region, and the nation at large.
Coltart highlighted Nyathi’s extensive work, including the founding of the Amagugu Heritage Centre and his leadership in the My Beautiful Home – Comba Indlu Ngobuciko project, which celebrates cultural preservation through art and indigenous knowledge systems.
“He will be remembered through the Amagugu Heritage Centre, the My Beautiful Home project, and numerous other initiatives he championed for the preservation of culture, arts, and indigenous knowledge,” he said.
“The late Pathisa will also be remembered for his research on the city’s history and his dedication to Bulawayo’s development,” he added.
Coltart also acknowledged Nyathi’s service as the city’s Public Relations Officer from 2005 to 2008.
“During this period, he helped to convey timely and accurate information on civic issues, fostering a favourable relationship between the City and its residents.
“City council staff and residents mourn the untimely death of Mr Pathisa Nyathi, and our deepest sympathies go to the Nyathi family, his children, grandchildren, and the nation as a whole,” Coltart said. Meanwhile, renowned artist and painter Paul Nyoni said Nyathi`s death has left a void which will be difficult to fill. “He was a legend and taught us a lot in terms of developing our industry.
He will be sadly missed,” he said. Early this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa tasked Nyathi and deputy chief secretary, Reverend Paul Damasane, with documenting the Battle of Pupu, a critical moment of resistance against British colonial forces. They were also charged with tracing the final journey of King Lobengula after the fall of the Ndebele Kingdom in 1893. Nyathi’s detailed account brought renewed attention to this pivotal episode in Zimbabwean history.
In a condolence message on Monday, President Mnangagwa said he received the sad news of the passing of Mr Nyathi with a very heavy heart, utter sense of shock and deep sorrow.
“As they grieve this great loss, may they find solace in the remarkable achievements of the late Pathisa Nyathi, many of which were dedicated to his people and country,” he said. “To that end and in his honour, I have directed that the late Pathisa Nyathi be granted a State-assisted funeral. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.”
Detailing Nyathi’s legacy, the President said he personally felt very proud and overwhelmed by the sheer fervency of his commitment to the reconstruction of Zimbabwe’s National Heritage which he felt had been assaulted and injured by countless colonial narratives “His contributions to restoring our history in the face of colonial narratives fill me with immense pride,” said President Mnangagwa.
Nyathi will be laid to rest on Wednesday at Stanley Cemetery, a final resting place for Bulawayo’s luminaries. President Mnangagwa has since granted Nyathi a State-assisted funeral, honoring his life’s work. A memorial service will be held at the Amphitheatre Memorial Hall at 9 AM where dignitaries will deliver tributes before the burial.
New Ziana