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Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]

THE legacy of the late historian and accomplished writer, Pathisa Nyathi, will live on forever through the numerous publications that he authored in telling the Zimbabwean story, particularly the history of the people of the southern parts of the country, Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor David Coltart has said.

In order to preserve the rich history that Nyathi articulated so well in the more than 70 publications that he authored, Clr Coltart called on Bulawayo councillors to make sure that every council-owned library has a “Pathisa Nyathi Corner” where his literature will be easily accessible for generations to come.

The late historian leaves behind numerous path-breaking publications on Zimbabwe’s past, including genealogies of communities and biographies of several national icons such as Lozikeyi, the last Queen of King Lobengula who wielded tremendous influence and played a key role both before and after the demise of the Ndebele Kingdom.

Bulawayo City Mayor, Councillor David Coltart consoles Pathisa Nyathi’s family at the late historian’s house in Bulawayo yesterday

He was also tasked earlier this year by President Mnangagwa together with the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Reverend Paul Damasane, with documenting the heroic Pupu Battle of National Resistance against British colonialism as well as the final journey of the last Ndebele State King, Lobengula, who fled after the fall of the Ndebele Kingdom in 1893.

Nyathi died on Saturday after a long illness aged 73 and is survived by three children. He will be buried at the Lady Stanley Cemetery today after a funeral service that will be held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre in the morning.

He was bestowed with the honour of being laid to at Lady Stanley Cemetery as recognition of his contribution in documenting the history of the country and its people.

“Several people have said that a library has burnt down and that is very true. His death is yet another great loss that the city has witnessed after the death of the Highlanders chief executive officer Mr Dlodlo (Sihlangu) in a space of a week,” said Clr Coltart.

He was speaking at the Nyathi home in Gwabalanda suburb where he was joined by councillors and senior council management to pay their respects to the family of the departed historian yesterday.

Bulawayo City Mayor, Councillor David Coltart consoles Pathisa Nyathi’s family at the late historian’s house in Bulawayo yesterday

“To the councillors here present and the council chamber secretary (Mrs Sikhangezile Zhou), we need to ensure we create in all our libraries a Pathisa Nyathi corner where we will have all the copies of his publications for future generations,” said Clr Coltart.

“Mr Nyathi is dear to your hearts as a family but was also dear in the hearts of the people of Bulawayo and indeed the whole country.

“He will be remembered for his many books that he has written in his lifetime. His legacy will remain immortal as he will live on through his writings. His writings can never be taken away from us and they will continue to educate us as well as inspire future generations,” he said.

The late historical icon was known for his in-depth writings that were well researched and articulated in simple language that can also be understood by the younger generation.

“Our task is now to make sure that his books, his literature is preserved for generations to come. He was not just a talented writer but he was a man who worked diligently over decades to record, investigate and to document the history of the nation and more particularly of our region and the Ndebele people.

“To that extent he is an iconic library and as we mourn deeply following his death let us not forget to rejoice in his life of great integrity, we should also rejoice in his legacy,” he added.

Bulawayo City Mayor, Councillor David Coltart consoles Pathisa Nyathi’s family at the late historian’s house in Bulawayo yesterday

Clr Coltart said he got to know of Nyathi’s deteriorating health a few weeks ago. He said the Nyathi family can stand up tall and proud knowing that he was such a towering figure in society.

“I’m very honoured to tell you that in recognition of his sterling work and bestow him with a burial at Lady Stanley Cemetery,” said Clr Coltart. Deputy Mayor councillor Edwin Ndlovu said the late Nyathi will be conferred the Freedom of the City accolade.

“The work of Mr Nyathi over so many years speaks for itself and he deserves to be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery, which was an easy decision for us as Bulawayo City Council,” he said.

“A few years ago a motion was put forward for late Mr Nyathi and others to receive the Freedom of the City and have a few roads named after them and the current council will make sure that happens.

“He did a lot of good work for the city and for that he must be honoured,” said Clr Ndlovu.