Harare, (New Ziana) – Acting President General (Retired) Constantine Chiwenga has paid tribute to the late Dr Paul Chidyausiku, praising his editorial work that highlighted the struggles of the black majority in the then Rhodesia during the colonial period and supported the liberation movement that culminated in independence in 1980.
In a statement, Acting President Chiwenga described Dr Chidyausiku, a renowned editor, poet, and novelist, as a national icon whose contribution to Zimbabwe’s literary and political landscape will be remembered for generations.
“His work at Moto magazine revealed a deep love for his country and unwavering support for the oppressed black majority who endured racial discrimination under colonial rule,” he said.
Dr Chidyausiku passed away at his home in Seke, on the outskirts of the capital, on Friday at the age of 98.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, the ZANU (PF) party, Government, my family, and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Chidyausiku family, especially Amai Joyce Chidyausiku and the children, during this difficult and heartbreaking time. May the family find comfort in knowing that Dr Chidyausiku’s literary legacy will forever be etched in the annals of our national history,” said VP Chiwenga.
Born on January 1, 1927, Dr Chidyausiku was the eldest of eight children, three boys and five girls.
Among his siblings were the late Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku and diplomat and war veteran Boniface Chidyausiku.
Dr Chidyausiku began his career in journalism in 1958 as the first Editor of the Catholic-run Moto magazine, published by the Mambo Press in Gweru.
He left Mambo Press in 1972 and moved to Harare (then Salisbury), where he briefly worked for the Urban Council in 1973 before joining the African Literature Bureau in 1974.
At the Literature Bureau, Dr Chidyausiku worked passionately to promote Pan-African literature in vernacular languages such as Shona and Ndebele.
He played a vital role in nurturing both emerging and established authors and facilitated the training of editors and writers, significantly contributing to the growth of Zimbabwe’s vernacular literary culture.
After independence in 1980, Dr Chidyausiku joined the Ministry of Information as an Assistant Director.
His passion for indigenous language media led to the establishment of Kwayedza, a Shona-language newspaper under Zimpapers.
He later joined Zimpapers full-time and worked for Kwayedza until his retirement. A prolific author, Dr Chidyausiku wrote 13 novels during his lifetime, including Nhoroondo Dzokuwanana, Broken Roots, Pfungwa DzaSekuru Mafusire, Ndakambokuyambira, and Karume Kangu.
He also authored numerous poems and articles published both locally and internationally. In recognition of his literary achievements and dedication to developing Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, the Women’s University in Africa awarded Dr Chidyausiku an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Education in 2016.
New Ziana
