derick.khumalo
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has joined the nation in mourning veteran journalist and Sunday News Assistant Editor Mkhululi Sibanda, describing him as a custodian of Zimbabwe’s liberation heritage whose work helped preserve the country’s historical memory.
Sibanda, affectionately known in journalism circles as “Mkhays”, died on Saturday at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo at the age of 55.
In a condolence message, the City of Bulawayo’s Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube said they had received news of his passing with deep sadness, noting that his contribution to journalism extended far beyond the newsroom.
“The City of Bulawayo has learnt with deep sadness of the passing of Mkhululi Sibanda, Assistant Editor of the Sunday News and custodian of the celebrated column Lest We Forget,” said Mr Dube.
He described Sibanda as a dedicated chronicler of Zimbabwe’s liberation history who used his journalism to preserve stories that may otherwise have been lost to future generations.
“Mkhululi was more than a journalist. He was a chronicler of our liberation heritage, a man who understood that a nation that forgets its past has no future.”
“Through his widely followed “Lest We Forget” column, Sibanda documented the experiences of liberation war veterans, historians and ordinary Zimbabweans whose stories formed part of the country’s liberation narrative.
“Through “Lest We Forget”, he opened space for veterans, historians, and ordinary citizens to preserve the truth of our struggle. I had the personal honour of being interviewed by him for the column — an experience that reflected his respect, depth, and commitment to accuracy,” said Mr Dube.
The local authority said although Sibanda’s death had silenced one of Zimbabwe’s most distinguished journalistic voices, his body of work would continue to inspire and educate generations to come.
“His pen has fallen silent, but his work will continue to educate generations.”
The City of Bulawayo extended its condolences to the Sibanda family, his colleagues at Zimpapers and the wider media fraternity.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Sibanda family, the Zimpapers community, and the journalism fraternity at large.”
Sibanda spent nearly three decades in journalism and earned widespread respect for his meticulous reporting, mentorship of young journalists and his passion for documenting Zimbabwe’s liberation history.
He leaves behind a daughter and two sons.
Online Reporter