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Bongani Ndlovu/Sipepisiwe Moyo
A well of knowledge has dried up; a massive library has burned down. This aptly describes the death of Pathisa Nyathi, a veteran historian and cultural icon.

Nyathi died on Saturday at a private hospital where he was admitted for a recurring illness. He was 73.

When the news of Nyathi’s death emerged, it shocked many. This was the same day that Highlanders FC chief executive officer Sihlangu Dlodlo was being laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo. The nation was still reeling from Dlodlo’s untimely passing when it learned that Nyathi had also joined his ancestors.

Nyathi’s son, Butholezwe, said the family is still trying to deal with their loss.

“We’re still processing the news as a family, but our initial reaction is one of sadness. However, we acknowledge that he has not been well for a while, and there’s some relief that he’s finally resting after enduring so much pain. As his surviving family members, we’re grieving because he played a pivotal role in our lives, and we’ll miss him dearly.

“While the outside world held him in high regard, to us, he was simply a father like any other. Our overwhelming feeling right now is one of gratitude; he was there for us through thick and thin. When a man supports you from childhood into adulthood, you can’t help but be thankful. It reflects the unwavering dedication he had for his family,” said Butholezwe.

Born in Kezi, Matabeleland South, in 1951, Nyathi was the author of more than 50 books and also published a newspaper column in Sunday News on the history of Ndebele customs and traditions. He helped establish the Mthwakazi Writers and Actors Association, collaborating with Felix Moyo and Mthandazo Ndema Ngwenya before training as a science teacher in 1970.

The late Phathisa Nyathi

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Nicholas Moyo, described Nyathi as an epitome of intangible cultural heritage.

“The library has been burnt down and it cannot be resuscitated. Intaba iwile; as a nation, we see the calabash falling from our hands, achitheka angabutheki. This is how I describe the passing of Pathisa Nyathi: an epitome of intangible cultural heritage, a hard drive of ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage) in this country,” said Moyo.

He said Nyathi was an amazing individual who excelled in collecting information, crafting, documenting, sharing, teaching, and safeguarding it.

“He was one of the greatest assets this country had in safeguarding indigenous knowledge. He dedicated his means and resources to elevate the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems to new heights. UNyathi ubengakhethi mhlobo; uNyathi ubekhuluma iqiniso,” said Moyo.

He noted that Nyathi’s works would transcend borders, explaining issues as they were through thorough research.

“His works would have a great impact on universities in South Africa. Some of his works were commissioned by universities, while others were translated into foreign languages because what he wrote needed to be shared with the rest of the world,” said Moyo.

He highlighted Nyathi’s lasting legacy of Amagugu International Heritage Centre and the My Beautiful Home competition, showing his dedication to preserving intangible cultural heritage.

“The creation of Amagugu is one such initiative that aimed to embody and leave a lasting legacy. We’ll also remember the My Beautiful Home concept, which has engaged many development agents in preserving intangible cultural heritage,” said Moyo.
Playwright and author Raisedon Baya remarked that Nyathi was a man accessible to people.

“Umdala doesn’t need people speaking for him; his legacy is there for everyone to see. His footsteps are there for everyone to follow. He believed in documenting and achieving history. He was very accessible to people. We have lost a baobab tree,” said Baya.

He added, “He was a giant in the arts sector. You just had to rub shoulders with him. His lectures at Amagugu stand out for me, and his passion for research and documentation is what will always remain significant, along with the institutionalisation of Amagugu.”

Historian Thomas “Mzala Tom” Sibanda stated that Nyathi must be celebrated for his dedication to documenting culture.

“We don’t mourn ubaba; we celebrate a life dedicated to uncovering the truths of our past, living culture, and traditions.

Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, he illuminated the stories that shaped our nation,” said Mzala Tom.

“His passion for our history inspired generations to seek knowledge and engage with the complexities of human experience. His legacy, captured in many books, will endure, reminding us of the power of history to inform and unite us. Uyidlalile eyakho indima Mdluli. Hamba kahle!”

Mzala Tom mentioned that, although they never met in person, he and Nyathi would share notes on history.

“We would chat via WhatsApp or call each other. If he saw something I had written, he would contact me, or I would do the same, trying to gain knowledge from him. I also have all his books,” said Mzala Tom.

Addelis Sibutha, former director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, expressed her sorrow over Nyathi’s passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the arts sector.

“What a period for the arts and culture fraternity in Bulawayo and the country. Go ye well, Baba Nyathi; you ran a good race and have left a legacy. Thank you for your immense contributions and for your support during my tenure at the National Gallery in Bulawayo. Lala ngokuthula, Mdluli,” she said.

Comedian Carl Joshua Ncube reflected on his time with Nyathi, recalling their day together in 2005 when he was directing the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama).

A Nama gong

“Baba Nyathi spent a whole day with me, showing me around Bulawayo and Old Bulawayo, emphasising the importance of storytelling to civilisation. He consistently stressed the need to publish books, saying future generations would be shaped by these stories. Waking up to the news of a mentor’s death is devastating; losing a historian and author is a great loss,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Ncube also remembered visiting the Amagugu Cultural Centre, where Nyathi’s son, Butholezwe, inspired his journey into rural tourism and BnB ventures.

“Thank you Baba Nyathi, for paving the way for us. May you rest in peace, and may your work live on. My sincere condolences to the Nyathi family and to Zimbabwe at large,” he shared.

Nyathi is survived by three children: Sikhanyisile Sibanda, Butholezwe, and Fikile Nyathi.