Story by Peter Chivhima
RENOWNED journalist Geoff Nyarota has died at the age of 74 after a prolonged battle with colon cancer.
His passing on Sunday morning has left the media fraternity in mourning, as colleagues and admirers pay tribute to his immense contribution to journalism in Zimbabwe.
Nyarota, widely regarded as a pioneer in investigative journalism, is being remembered as a mentor, leader, and fearless voice in the profession.
“We have lost a man who inspired us to take up the journalism career. He was such a man who was ready to assist everyone,” colleague and board member of the Voluntary Media Commission of Zimbabwe, Lenox Mhlanga said.
“Nyarota was a doyen in the media fraternity and today we are mourning his loss. We interacted a lot with him. He is our hero in the media fraternity” national coordinator of the Editors Forum, Njabulo Ncube said.
Zimbabwe Union of Journalists Secretary General, Perfect Hlongwane said the media industry has lost a giant and brave man.
“We have lost a giant really, on whose shoulders we were standing. As journalists, we have been engaging Nyarota on quite a number of programmes that we were carrying out to ensure that he passes on the knowledge and the wisdom to the young that are upcoming in the sector,” Hlongwane said.
“We really have lost a gallant fighter within the media, a gallant contributor within the media, and one whose contribution, like I said, has impacts that are tangible.”
Reactions of his passing on have extended beyond professional circles, with tributes flooding social media, where people from all walks of life, including government officials, have expressed their loss at his demise.
Posting on his X-page, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana said he is saddened by the loss of Zimbabwean media giant, describing him as a pioneering editor who left an indelible mark on the country’s journalism landscape.
Born in 1951 in Harare, Nyarota’s journey began as a teacher before he transitioned to journalism, joining The Rhodesian Herald as a trainee reporter in 1978 and quickly rose through the ranks.
His editorial prowess shone brightly when he was appointed Editor of The Chronicle in Bulawayo in 1983 and later edited The Daily News in 1999.
His hard-hitting investigative pieces and fearless reporting made significant contributions to shaping public discourse in Zimbabwe.
