Story by Grace Sibanda
HISTORIAN and cultural luminary Phathisa Nyathi, who died on Saturday at Materdei Hospital in Bulawayo, has been buried at the Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo.
The funeral service held in honor of the late historian and author before burial this Wednesday was nothing short of a celebration of a life well lived, as the late dedicated his life to the promotion and preservation of African indigenous languages, culture and values.
The luminary was plagued by a cocktail of diseases before his demise.
“My father was diagnosed with a minor heart attack a few weeks back, and he had prostate cancer and while living with diabetes. He was getting better, but I suppose it was time, and he didn’t make it. We are so grateful for the support we have gotten,” said Sikhanyisile Nyathi, daughter of the late.
Nyathi`s unique gift of storytelling empowered many as he left a legacy that will last for generations to come.
The government recognised his immense contribution to the preservation of national customs and values for the sake of preserving national pride and ubuntu.
“Phathisa Nyathi was not only limited to Matebeleland, he was a nationalist and he went through great depths to research and find out about all cultures in the country and beyond,” the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mr Nicholas Moyo said.
“Nyathi was a living library of his time. He did a lot not only through books but through his Amagugu Heritage Centre which is an embodiment of our culture and our pride,” said the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Judith Ncube.
After a 73 year old journey of immense contribution to Zimbabwe`s cultural and historical spectrum, the curtain closed on Phathisa Nyathi.
