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By Fikile Nyathi

THIS probably sounds too cliché, but really, I know no heroic man like my father. While he was widely recognised for his prolific writing career and his significant contributions to the field of history, there was another side to him – a loving and devoted father.

Beyond the scholarly persona, my father was a man of warmth and humour. Those who knew him personally will agree that he had an infectious laugh and the ability to find joy in the simplest of things.

The late Pathisa Nyathi

One thing I’ll always cherish is his work ethic. He was a machine! Up early, late nights, always scribbling something. But he never let his work overshadow family. He was always available to listen, advise, help with homework, or just listen to us rant about our day.

I still can’t believe he’s gone. My father, the man who taught me the value of words, the power of history, and the importance of a good laugh. The man who taught us to appreciate life and to live it fully. He would often say, “nxa kusavuma ukudla, dlana” and “nxa kusavuma ukuhleka, hleka.” He was more than just a renowned historian; he was a friend.

I will miss him dearly. I will miss his laughter, his wisdom, and his unwavering love. But I know that he will always be with me, guiding me and inspiring me. I’m grateful for the values he instilled in us: hard work, honesty, and a love for learning. I’ll carry those with me always.

Pathisa Nyathi’s children: Sikhanyisile Nyathi (in blue), only son Butholezwe Nyathi and Fikile Nyathi and grand children

I think anyone who really knows me, knows that my father was my role model. How could he not be? His love and passion for what he did was one beautiful thing I enjoyed witnessing all my life.

His dedication to preserving and preaching Zimbabwe’s liberation history, the Ndebele history, and culture is amazing. I witnessed all the late nights putting in the work. He was one of the most hardworking people I knew, and he stand for what he believed in.

He was also a funny person, and most people don’t know that. I love how we had our inside jokes like the pampers jokes. He was the only person I knew to say that masks are oral condoms and even say it on a live show! The strength he had was amazing. I saw him in situations that could have left any other person broken, but he always came out strong. I have let him down a few times, I mean many times, but he still forgave me and moved on from our differences.

He was not a very vocal person, but yet his strong quiet presence was always felt. This is the kind of love that I knew that even if he didn’t say it out loud that he loved me, I could see and feel it that he did. He wrote a children’s book in 1994 – it was titled “Fikile Nyathi”. Does this not scream I love you? What I also appreciate is that he gave me my flowers whilst I was still alive; he did acknowledge my proud moments.

I learnt a lot from him and the lesson which tops it all is to work hard and stand for what I believe in. All my life with him, I took notes. AmaBirwa loNkulunkulu babe lawe. He lived to see his grandchild from my womb and he witnessed me graduate. That is a prayer answered and I am thankful to God for that.

I appreciate the fact that he made me feel like this tech-savvy goddess. I was always available to update his WhatsApp application and upload a profile picture for him.

Father, you were one of a kind. Thank you for everything. I love you. ALWAYS! Uyiskhokho! Yimi icinathunjana lakho elikuthandayo, uFie.