The late veteran author and publisher Pathisa Nyathi has been described as an icon and fountain of wisdom that lived to tell the true story of Zimbabwe in various forms.
Nyathi died at a private hospital in Bulawayo after succumbing to a yet-to-be-disclosed illness, but recurring condition.
He was 73.
Singer and Zanu PF councillor, Sandra Ndebele, said his death marked a dark era in Bulawayo.
“I wonder if it’s a dark cloud that descended on Bulawayo this week,” Ndebele said.
“I am sad. It's a big loss especially to us in the creative space.”
Affluence Media founder and director, Nicollete Mdluli, described Nyathi as a role model to all.
“It's a huge loss to the country, but we are forever grateful for his literary contributions that uncovered the richness of Zimbabwe's history,” Mdluli said.
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“I hope young authors can take from the example of his work ethic and dedication to telling stories that captivate, educate and form narratives upon which this country's history will continue to be written.”
Award winning script writer, Zibusiso Mabonisa, said he was inspired by Nyathi to venture into the industry.
“I first read his book Zimawele when I was doing 'A' Level,” Mabonisa said.
“I was glad to meet him at the authors' association, Zimbabwean Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association where we were members.
“But as we mourn his death, I believe that legends don't die, they multiply.”
Nkulumane Member of Parliament, Desire Moyo, said Nyathi’s death was a blow to Zimbabwe.
“The wisdom is gone,” Moyo said.
“We shall always remember him as an icon who dedicated his life to tell the true story of Zimbabwe particularly of the Ndebele Kingdom documenting the history of the Kingdom until the discovery of the grave of King Lobengula which was his last God-given assignment.
“What pains me the most is that the last time I had a meeting with him we had agreed to embark on a journey to Rusternburg South Africa to visit the family of Prince Nkulumane and tour his memorial grave.
“In his honour we assure the family that as the MP for Nkulumane Constituency the residents of Nkulumane will honour his last wish of visiting the family and grave of Prince Nkulumane.”
Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture deputy minister, Emily Jesaya, also conveyed her condolence message to the family.
“We have lost a father, an artist, a gem and a hub of wisdom,” Jesaya said.
Poet Albert Nyathi said: “Phathisa was a giant of all giants, but what surprised me about this country is that Phathisa, in spite of the fact that perhaps he wrote most books in terms of numbers, and yet to establish, I think over 50, not one university recognised him ,I hope they do so posthumously, because to me, Phathisa was a doctor, if he was in South Africa, he would be having five PhDs given by universities.
“I mean, who wrote the most books in this country? And tell me, in this country, who gave us our history virtually every day through articles, books, and television and radio programs?”
Nyathi further revealed that at 70, Phathisa predicted his own death as he felt that the ancestors were calling him .
“When he was turning 70, launching his 70th birthday celebration book, he told me that was probably his last book as the ancestors were calling him; I am very much saddened by this,” Nyathi said.
Fellow actress and writer Nonduzo Ncube also expressed shock over Nyathi’s death.
Nyathi was the founder of Amagugu International Heritage Centre in Matobo.
